How long has it been since you reviewed our vision and mission?
Our Vision is that women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Our Mission is for Soroptimists to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.
Do these words inspire you? Do they provide you with the renewed energy and inspiration to continue to be a Soroptimist, they do me. Often when talking to potential members or partners in projects, I will respond that as a Soroptimist my work transforms the lives of women and girls through our project work. At your next club meeting, consider reading the vision and mission statements at the start of the meeting and remember in your project planning to consider the vision and mission objectives and ensure that the project is going to deliver on an aspect from each.
Visibility of our vision has been on fire this month, with social media platforms showcasing the work undertaken by clubs during Environment month. The range of actions has truly amplified our united voice and commitment in recognising the unequal burdens experienced by climate change.
Over 1,600 Soroptimists from across the 5 Federations will be converging in Dublin in the coming weeks for the SI Convention. At this convention we will be reminded of the SI Vision and Mission and the theme of Challenge the Future. One might ask who’s future!, our SISEAP future; the future of SI; or the future of the women and girls we so passionately advocate for? All very thought provoking, we will all come away motivated and inspired as we personally continue our Soroptimist journey.
SI Inner City Sydney, our newest club, held their charter dinner in June whilst SI Melbourne celebrated 75 Years of service, both milestone achievements. The members buoyed with enthusiasm as they embark on projects which follow our vision and mission.
Left: SI Inner City Sydney Charter
Above: SI Melboune Celebrating 75 Years
It is with much pleasure that I make the following announcements:
• The appointment of Michelle Kaur from SI Shah Alam, Malaysia, as the new Governance Convenor for the remainder of this biennium. • The appointment of Gail Ker from SI Beenleigh, Australia as a new company Director. • HQ Communications & Administration Assistant Jessica Aylward is taking maternity leave for 6 months, as she welcomes a new addition to her growing family. I had the pleasure to meet with Jess last week and present her with a gift and convey from all members of the Federation our congratulations and very best wishes on the safe delivery of her baby. • Naomi To has been appointed as a replacement for Jess whilst she is on maternity leave, please say hello to Naomi next time you ring HQ.
This month we will be calling for position holders for the 2024-2026 Biennium. Our clubs cannot complete projects which transform the lives and women and girls without leaders in the Federation to steer the direction, you can be one of those leaders, you are not alone, we work in teams, please consider nominating for one of the positions or being a member of one of the committees.
Right: Jessica Aylward with President Christine
Yours in Soroptimist friendship,
Christine Johnstone President 2022-2024 Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific swppresident2022@siswp.org
CSW70 proved to be a defining and historic session. For the first time in the Commission’s history, the Agreed Conclusions were put to a vote following late-stage amendments introduced by a Member State after weeks of negotiations. These amendments were resoundingly rejected, and a clear majority adopted the Conclusions.
When a further attempt was made to redefine existing terminology in UN documents, Soroptimist International (SI) worked closely with civil society partners and supportive delegations to oppose the change. Through coordinated advocacy, the effort was halted via a no-action motion led by Belgium on behalf of the European Union — a significant outcome to which SI’s unified engagement strongly contributed.
This year also reflected a unique representation dynamic within SI. While the total Soroptimist contingent at CSW70 stood at 136 participants, the SISEAP Federation was represented by just 7 Soroptimists. Despite our smaller numbers, SISEAP’s visibility, influence, and contributions remained strong and impactful throughout the programme.
SI’s advocacy extended beyond negotiations. SI wrote to the UN Secretary-General expressing our concerns about the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA, warning that such a step risks weakening the gender equality mandate, diluting accountability, and stretching already limited resources. This letter has been shared with UN missions, agencies, and key civil society networks, and SI will continue to actively engage on this matter.
CSW70 also brought heightened global attention to UN leadership with the current UN Secretary General stepping down in the second half of 2026.. With an overwhelming majority of female candidates emerging compared to a minority of male contenders, the possibility of a woman serving as the next UN Secretary-General has significantly increased. This development marks a powerful moment in the larger movement toward gender-balanced global leadership.
During the two-week session, we were honoured to speak at several high-impact side events, including:
“Lifelong Learning and AI: Implications for Women and Girls”
“Women, Water & Health: A Commonwealth Perspective — A Case Study from Rural East Malaysia”
These engagements provided an important platform to highlight rural women’s realities, promote evidence-based solutions, and reinforce Soroptimists’ work in advancing education, health, and community resilience.
Despite our smaller delegation, SISEAP’s presence at CSW70 was strong, strategic, and meaningful, contributing to key outcomes and shaping the global gender equality discourse. We return with renewed determination to advocate, to protect hard-won language, and to champion the rights of women and girls within our region and across the world.
SISEAP Legacy Fund – Building a Future That Will Outlast Us
We are proud to announce the establishment of the SISEAP Legacy Fund, a meaningful milestone in our Federation’s journey of service. This Fund is more than a financial resource — it is a promise. A promise that the work we do today will continue to uplift women and girls for generations to come.
The Legacy Fund strengthens our future by providing stability, continuity, and resilience. It ensures that long after each of us has served our term, the Federation remains empowered to act boldly and sustainably.
We warmly invite members, friends, and supporters to consider being part of this enduring vision — whether through a contribution today or by remembering SISEAP in your Will.
A legacy gift is one of the most powerful expressions of belief in our mission. It says that the work we do matters — not only now, but far into the future.
Together, we are not just building programmes. We are building permanence. Let us leave a legacy of hope, opportunity, and impact that future Soroptimists will be proud to carry forward.
Any queries or further information required, please contact SISEAP Director, Deborah Wood, director.deborah@siseap.or who is spearheading the SISEAP Legacy Fund.
Plant a Mangrove Sapling” Campaign Gains Momentum — Join Us in Growing Impact!
Our Plant a Mangrove initiative is gaining wonderful traction, with 27 mangrove saplings already paid for or pledged. This growing support reflects our shared commitment to environmental stewardship as we move toward the Conference of Clubs (COC) and strengthen our collective ESG efforts across the Federation.
Mangroves are powerful symbols of resilience — protecting coastlines, restoring ecosystems, and supporting biodiversity. By planting one, you are not only contributing to a greener future but also aligning SISEAP with global sustainability actions. As we build momentum leading up to the COC, we warmly encourage more members, clubs, and supporters to subscribe to this initiative. Every sapling planted is a step toward climate action, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Let’s continue this positive wave.
Dear Soroptimist Sisters, As we approach the close of 2025, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each of you for a blessed and joyful Christmas season. May this time be filled with peace, renewal, and meaningful moments with your loved ones. As we look toward 2026, may it be a year of hope, fresh possibilities, and strengthened commitment to the women and girls we serve. Let us step forward with courage, unity, and purpose. I am also delighted to invite you to the SISEAP COC Conference 2026—a meaningful gathering that will uplift, inspire, and bring our Federation together.
Early bird registration is open!
Early bird rate ends 31 January 2026.
Register before 31 December 2025 to receive an exclusive personalised gift specially prepared for our early registrants.
A special highlight award presented at the SISEAP Conference of Clubs is The Changemakers Award, honouring five outstanding Soroptimists who have:
Created significant and lasting impact in their communities,
Advanced the empowerment of women and girls, and
Served the organisation with dedication and leadership.
We warmly encourage each Club to put forward a nomination. If you know a sister who has inspired you, led meaningful change, or transformed the lives of women and girls—this is the moment to uplift her story.
Nominating a fellow Soroptimist is a powerful act of recognition. It shines a light on the quiet strength, tireless service, and extraordinary commitment of our sisters who work passionately—often behind the scenes—to empower women and girls. Let us celebrate them together.
Send your nomination to Federation Secretary Cynthia Martin, federationsecretary@siseap.org by 5pm AEDT, 8 February 2026.
Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over 5 Federations
