Soroptimist International Western Canada RegionNews and articles from Soroptimist areas of interest
Lois is the longest-serving member of the North & West Vancouver chapter. We wanted to find out why she loves being a member!
Soroptimist International Western Canada Region Celebrating Success Awards recognize projects and practices that improve the lives of women and girls. The Celebrating Success Awards honours outstanding, creative and effective club programs or practices undertaken in the stated time period.
Entries are due to your region chair on or before Jan 31, 2025. Download the Entry Form and instructions here.
Whereas:
Canada is one of only two countries in the developed world that do not have national drinking water regulations;
Canada annually reports over 400,000 episodes of enteric disease deemed to be related to drinking water;
The responsibility for providing safe drinking water in Canada is divided among federal, provincial, municipal, and territorial governments, with varying guidelines or standards;
The most critical component of producing safe drinking water is protecting the quality of source waters, and First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and rural Canadians must be empowered to protect their source waters;
First Nations people reject Bill C-61, as it gives them liability instead of responsibility for their water;
In 2010, Canada supported United Nations General Assembly Resolution 64/292 in recognizing that clean drinking water and sanitation are the basis of all human rights; and
The World Health Organization produces international guidelines on water quality and human health that serve as the basis for setting regulations and standards worldwide.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Minister of Health to respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and all people living in Canada to safe drinking water and – in full partnership with First Nations, Métis, Inuit, provincial, municipal, and territorial governments – to establish National Drinking Water Regulations that meet or exceed the guidelines established by the World Health Organization.
Violence Against Women – Change the Conversation; Change the Attitude!
Submitted by: Linda Cunliffe, SI Surrey/Delta
November 25, 2022
The horrific murder of Mahsa Amini has shone a global light on violence against women. Watching the Iranian men’s soccer team stand shoulder-to-shoulder in silence during their national anthem touched my heart. According to Issy Ronald, CNN reporter (November 22), “What began as a clamour for women’s rights has morphed into a movement … giving the team a potentially powerful platform from which to voice its support for the protestors.”
Just one example of men standing up in defiance of gender-based violence. Closer to home, our very own BC Lions football team delivers its “Be More Than a Bystander” program. Be More Than a Bystander is a “ground-breaking initiative between the Ending Violence Association of British Columbia (EVA BC) and the BC Lions, aimed at increasing the understanding regarding the impact of gender-based violence.”
According to their website at https://www.bclions.com/bemorethanabystander/, “The program will break the silence surrounding gender-based violence by providing tools, language and practical ideas about how to be more than a bystander, how to speak up and how to communicate that violence and abuse is not acceptable.”
One of the ground-breaking ways that Be More Than a Bystander delivers gender-based violence messaging is through their presentations to BC high schools. They focus on “the importance of creating a safe environment in the school for young men and women, what it means to be more than a bystander and how students can initiate change.”
The BC Lion’s message is powerful (watch their video on their website). As professional male athletes, they also stand together in defiance of gender-based violence. They lead the way to effect positive change in the language, attitudes, and culture of violence against women. If the old, established mindset of men cannot be changed, perhaps these football “warriors” will inspire new conversations that will reshape the attitudes of our younger men and boys and encourage them to stand up to their peers and say, “it’s not ok to be violent towards women.” The BC Lions are truly part of the solution!
Soroptimist International-Western Canada Region
For immediate release.
Challenging the Silence.
Soroptimists stand in solidarity with women and girls in Iran.
November 7, 2022
For the last few weeks, the world has seen and heard the protests in Iran sparked by the tragic killing of a young woman, Mahsa Amini. Additional heinous and horrific acts that violate human rights continue to take place in Iran each day. These events have had direct impact on women in Iran and the diaspora around the world.
Soroptimist International – Western Canada Region stands with the women of Iran, our Muslim sisters and all others who are most vulnerable. This solidarity goes beyond religion or politics, it speaks to the heart of those seeking equality and justice in an unjust system.
Soroptimist members in Canada from Iran, with direct ties to Iran, have expressed anger, frustration, and horror at the situations they are witnessing through firsthand accounts from their friends and families in that country. The scale of media coverage of the situation in Iran is disproportionate to what is truly happening on the ground.
Our global body, Soroptimist International, takes a human rights stand on all issues. Our statement can be found HERE. We are ‘the global voice for women’ and as such, we Soroptimists in Western Canada call on all women and girls in every community, and all upstanders for human rights, to demonstrate, to protest injustice, to share stories on social media, to be aware of what is truly happening and to educate themselves and others to what is going on in Iran, the issues and consequences. We also call upon them to write their elected representatives, the UN Human Rights Commission, to those in power, to hold Iran accountable for these gross violations of human rights. As Soroptimists we will always challenge any attack on women’s human rights. We will continue to care about what happens in other countries because to be free and equal, we must all be free and equal.
What is Soroptimist International?
Soroptimist is coined from the Latin “soror” (“sister”), and “optima” (“best”), and is interpreted as “the best for women”. Soroptimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization devoted to gender equality.
Soroptimists engage in global advocacy through consultative status at the UN. Working within their communities, Soroptimists enhance the education, health, human rights, and status of all women. Soroptimist International incorporates five federations, of which Soroptimist International of the Americas includes almost 30,000 members in 20 countries and territories. The Western Canada Region, comprised of 300+ members in 16 clubs, covers the area from British Columbia to Manitoba and is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas.
For media inquiries please contact:
Suzanne Heron – SI-WCR President
250-891-7495 | suz.heron@gmail.com
Submitted by Western Canada Region Governor Suzanne Heron
Image courtesy Soroptimist International
Why do we as Canadians care about the U.S. Supreme Court taking away Americans’ right to abortion?
We care because the United States is a global influencer. This emboldens others who would remove a person’s right to control what happens to their own body. Access to safe abortion has been declared as a human right by multiple international courts and bodies.
We wonder who to trust in our own country, among legislators and would-be legislators, who say they support this fundamental right. We care because we know the consequences of this decision. Banning abortion only decreases safe abortions. We grieve for the women and children who are already bearing the health, financial, social and emotional burdens of unwanted, dangerous or unplanned pregnancies.
Our global body, Soroptimist International, takes a human rights stand on all issues. In our Position Paper on Sexual and Reproductive Health, we support “the rights set out in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women relating to sexual and reproductive health, in particular that women are afforded the ‘rights to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children and to have access to the information, education and means to enable them to exercise these rights.’”
Our Soroptimist Federation, SI of the Americas, has a laser focus on providing access to education for women and girls – the fastest path to economic empowerment. “We have seen firsthand the consequential effects unplanned pregnancy has on a woman’s mental and physical health, her educational opportunities, and her future success, as well as the health and economic outcomes for her children. The reversal of Roe v. Wade means that Soroptimist’s programs, which improve access to education for women and girls, will be even more important for reducing the probability of unplanned pregnancy and for equipping women and girls to pursue employment whatever their maternal status.”
We Soroptimists in Western Canada will provide tools for girls to realize their own dreams, and to be strong in demand and defence of their own rights. We will propel women into the education they need to reach economic empowerment and equality. We will challenge any attack on women’s human rights. We will care what happens in other countries because to be free and equal, we must all be free and equal.
We urge our members, friends and all who care about human rights to advocate for the full range of reproductive health education and services.
Victoria, BC — Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Vital work of this nature had no time to stop a pandemic. In fact, the need for the programs and support of Soroptimists grew throughout 2020-2021. Clubs around the globe continued to meet virtually and develop creative ways to support the vulnerable in their communities.
This meant that the annual Western Canada Region Conference, which is held each spring, was hosted virtually both years – definitely a first for this group of women.
Finally, after two years, Soroptimists from across Western Canada will be able to come together in person. Victoria, on beautiful Vancouver Island, will play host to over 100 Soroptimists from across the four western provinces. British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Conference Chair Terry Parent extended a heartfelt thank you to the local business sponsors of portions of the weekend. “Women in Real Estate have sponsored the Opening Reception for delegates on Thursday evening. The Memorial Service held on Friday has been sponsored by Earth Option Memorial Services. The support of local businesses for the conference and our club’s ongoing programs is key to our success and very much appreciated”
Region Governor Suzanne Heron commented on the inspiration behind the conference theme Building Back Better. “The theme was inspired by my recent attendance at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. What really fired me up was the information about how recovery from the pandemic – in economies, in health, security, food and shelter, in the future of our planet – all depend on gender equality. Without women in decision-making positions, no society will regain even what we have lost, let alone move forward in a sustainable path.”
Taking place from April 28-30, delegates will be welcomed by Elizabeth May, MP Saanich-Gulf Islands who has prepared a video message for attendees. Dr Bonnie Henry, (Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia), and Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps will be attending in person and sharing their messages with Soroptimists.
Soroptimist International of the Americas President Kazuko Morita will provide a welcome via video to those in attendance.
Delegates will take part in presentations by:
· Charmaine Hammond, Hammond International – “Public Awareness, Building Back Better Media & Community Relations”
· Tanna Edwards, Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) Board Member – “Federation Address”
· Joan McArthur Blair, Co-President of McArthur-Blair Consulting – Keynote Address: “Building Back Better”
The Live Your Dream Award Luncheon, which is always a highlight of the weekend, will be held on Saturday, April 30th. Each club selects recipients for Live Your Dream Awards in its community. The top recipients name is then forwarded to the Region to be reviewed and recipients for an additional award selected. Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.8 million in education awards to about 1,700 women all over the world.
Over half of the Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Saturday evening will see the installation of Officers to serve the Region for the next biennium. The installation will take place at the Closing Banquet and be conducted by Sharon Fisher, Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International and SIA Board Member Tanna Edwards.
Attendees will return to their home clubs ready to “Build Back Better”: re-charged and with skills to bring about change while ensuring that the programs and projects already in place are best suited to serve the women and girls in their communities.
May 29, 2022
2:00-4:00PM
Tickets $30.00; available on Eventbrite
Contact: Bella Montgomery (Bella Baba) – perogiepinchersfovictoria@gmail.com; 250-634-3108
Soroptimist (Soroptimist.org) is a global volunteer organization with volunteers in 21 countries and territories, including five (5) clubs in Ukraine.
Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, clubs around the world have rallied together to send money and needed supplies to the region. Clubs in bordering countries have helped thousands of women and children reach safety and ensure they have what they need.
Western Canada Soroptimists have created a unique fundraiser to support the urgent need in Ukraine. Pierogis!! Who doesn’t love these wonderful little pockets of flavour that have for generations been made with love?
Suzanne Heron, Western Canada Region Governor, feels this fundraiser is a perfect way to show support. “Often when there are disasters, emergencies or conflicts in other parts of the world, we wonder what we can do to help that will really make a difference” she said. “For generations, when times are tough, we rally with food made with love so to be able to share stories and Ukrainian traditions is a wonderful way to send a message of support through the funds raised. We hope that people who are not familiar with Soroptimist will join us!”
On May 29, 2022 from 2:00-4:00PM a fun, entertaining and yummy fundraiser will be held online – participants will learn how to make pierogis led by Bella Baba, who is a Soroptimist in the Victoria Westshore Club. Join Baba Bella as she shares stories from her Ukrainian upbringing in the Canadian Prairies. Her family’s traditions date back to 1863!
It’s only $30.00, and 100% OF PROCEEDS WILL GO TO SI EUROPE FOR THEIR UKRAINE RELIEF EFFORTS, to help women and girls.
Here’s the link to register https://pierogis-for-ukraine.eventbrite.com. If folks can’t attend the class please consider making a small donation. Message us for details to donate.
#wcsoroptimist #perogies #bellababa #ukraine #perogiesforukraine
Submitted by Sherri Smith, SI Central Alberta
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
Marked annually on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) is one of the most important days of the year to:
celebrate women’s achievements
raise awareness about women’s equality
lobby for accelerated gender parity
fundraise for female-focused charities
According to the United Nations, International Women’s Day started in America in 1909, when the Socialist Party of America took to the streets to honor garment workers who had protested against inhumane working conditions the year before. They called it National Women’s Day, and it took place on February 28.
The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, more than one million women and men showed their support by participating in public events. In the years that followed, other countries began to observe and celebrate this day.
The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating IWD on March 8, later adopting a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.
IWD is an official holiday in 27 countries around the world, and in China, Madagascar and Nepal the holiday is for women only!
International Women’s Day is not country, group, nor organization specific. No one government, NGO, charity, corporation, academic institution, women’s network, or media hub is solely responsible for International Women’s Day. The day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreaktheBias
Strike the IWD #BreakTheBias pose
Imagine a gender equal world…
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women’s equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias
Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough, action is needed to level the playing field.
Will you actively call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping each time you see it?
Do we still need an International Women’s Day?
Yes! There’s no place for complacency. According to the World Economic Forum, sadly none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes, and nor likely will many of our children. Gender parity will not be attained for almost a century.
There’s urgent work to do – and we can all play a part.
#BreakTheBias #IWD2022 #SICentralAlberta #WomensEquality
Submitted by Belle Auld, SI of Calgary
Four years ago Soroptimist International of Calgary (SIOC) decided to follow up with former Live Your Dream award winners. Instead of simply giving them their cash award and saying, ‘bye, bye’, we wanted to see how they were doing: to celebrate their successes with them and offer additional support and mentoring where needed.
At about the same time we decided to create the Dare to Dream (D2D) award to support single women who were struggling to return to school.
SIOC has been able to provide a bit of additional financial assistance to some Alumni members to help them continue their education. Since the beginning of the pandemic we have been offering all Alumni who want them, monthly ‘Good Food Boxes’ (a program through Calgary Community Kitchens that provides 20 – 25 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables at cost).
Some of the people SIOC supports through the Alumni program:
Mizze Walker received the Dare to Dream award in 2019. She works at the Drop In Centre and is in her final year at Bow Valley College studying for a diploma in Community Services, Addiction Studies with an Aboriginal focus. She says, “I come from Mi’Kmaw ancestry and will be the first person in my blood line to complete post-secondary education”. Despite her own challenges before and during the pandemic, Mizze likes to share the meals she makes from the Good Food Box with neighbors and people who are homeless. “I make soup or chili and take some around near where I live to give to people who don’t always have the opportunity to have a warm meal,” she says.
Jessica Tailfeathers says the LYD alumni program is special. “Meeting other women going through exactly what I’m going through. Women trying to support their family while trying to better themselves. Others who know what it’s like to not have food, clothing, shelter.” Jessica says that being “connected to people who are doing good, inspires me to do good.”
Jessica had just overcome a number of challenges in her life and was working full time and enrolled at Mount Royal University in Journalism, when she found out she was pregnant. She changed her goal – from wanting to be a travel journalist, to wanting to work in the communications field. That would provide more security and stability to her and her daughter. She says of the changes in her life since her daughter was born, “what started as a challenge turned out to be a journey and a beautiful one” and remembers holding her degree in one hand and her daughter in the other.
Amanda Thompson is the single mom of a daughter who has medical challenges plus learning disabilities. She has been juggling school and work with her daughter’s numerous hospitalizations. She appreciates the “care people continue to show to me and my daughter.” Amanda wants to work in non-profit either in a women’s shelter or a program that helps Indigenous people. People “who have faced adversity and challenges and are pulling through.”
Marie Constant says, it was “uplifting” to know that someone she hadn’t even met believed in her. She remembers being “really inspired at awards night. People shared their stories/their passion for helping other women. When I feel unworthy, I remember those women. I hope to be able to do that one day.” Marie’s story is somewhat unusual in that she has been guardian to her younger brother since he was 11 and she was 21. Marie also tries to be a good support for two other siblings, “while taking care of myself too.” Her older sister is blind and has other disabilities. Marie wants to be a nurse to be of service to women and children. She wants to use her teaching and nursing degrees (she already has a teaching degree) to do mission work. She says “I want to share whatever light I have in myself with whoever is in my community.”
#SIofCalgary #Dare2Dream #LiveYourDream #EducatetoEmpower #ChangingDreams #westercanadaregion
Soroptimist International Western Canada Region