To “Promote gender equality and empower women” is one of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) committed to by governments through the United Nations (UN) system. A series of United Nations forums have been dedicated to the special challenges faced by women and girls. The fourth world forum on women’s issues held in Beijing in 1995 identified 12 Critical Areas of concern and outlined a “Platform for Action” that continues to guide discussion and policy. It has been subject to review Beijing +5, Beijing +10 and many critical areas are yet be resolved.
Globally women and girls continue to be the victims of inequality, poverty and violence. Soroptimist Programme of Service seeks to support these global initiatives and address issues that impact on women and girls at a local and national level, as well as through international communities. Soroptimists work to achieve these goals through UN representation.
Soroptimist representatives to the United Nations in New York, Geneva, Paris and Vienna participate in general meetings, sit on committees and provide Soroptimist information and opinions based upon the “Where We Stand” and the international database of Soroptimist Club Programme Focus Reports. These representatives also report to the membership and make recommendations for the Soroptimist Programme of Service.
Soroptimist International sends delegations to major NGO forums, particularly those relating to women’s issues. Soroptimists are encouraged to become aware of the commitments made by their governments at such forums and to advocate for the implementation of those commitments through national legislation and policies.