ACTING locally but having an impact globally has been a core focus of Soroptimist International Mount Gambier for over four decades.
Spread across 126 countries, the organisation aims to empower, enable and educate women across the world.
Late last month, the Soroptimist Mount Gambier branch hosted South Australia region president Di Lockwood who spoke about the organisation’s “bigger picture.”
South Australia region immediate past president Christine Plunkett said Ms Lockwood emphasised the importance of the branch’s annual reporting process to showcase South East projects across the world.
“If we are coordinating a local project, a submission allows it to be recognised across the whole South West Pacific federation,” Ms Plunkett said.
“Due to how widespread we are there is a large network of people we can share our ideas with.
“Di made us realise how important of a body we are and the impact we can have.”
Ms Plunkett said programming and membership were two essential components of the international organisation.
“Programming is what we do; raising awareness, advocacy and actioning projects,” she said.
“This year we are following on with the same theme as 2018 and focusing on homelessness.
“Women over the age of 55 are believed to be the nation’s fastest growing demographic facing homelessness, which raises concern.”
Ms Plunkett said the age group was often left without a home for a number of reasons.
“Back in the 1960s and 70s, these individuals chose to stay with their families instead of entering the workforce where there was the change over after the war crisis ended,” she said.
“This then lead to women having no form of income or superannuation.
“In most circumstances they have to rely on family.”
Ms Plunkett said the organisation had also helped advocate for legal services and against domestic violence on women in the past.
“We provide $1600 each year towards a South East domestic violence shelter to provide laundry packs for women,” she said.
“We have found the packs are the first thing women need when leaving the shelter as they are able to tidy and make the house their own.
“Another large donation to the community is the $2000 Soroptimist tertiary education scholarship for a female to further her education.”
Under the South West Pacific federation, Ms Plunkett said the movement grew quickly when it was first formed over 100 years ago.
“There were originally three federations including the Great Britain and Islands, Americans and Europe but then as it grew it become evident South West Pacific could form their own,” Ms Plunkett said.
“Unfortunately we have lost clubs over the years in Australia.
“We are looking for younger members as some of us are getting older.”
The 27-member strong Mount Gambier branch invited new members to its monthly meetings.
Mount Gambier branch member Elizabeth Hodges said there were numerous ways members impact on the female community.
“The soro in the title stands for sister in Latin and the optimist represents the best for women.
“I know the one thing I like in particular is the various ranges of age groups who all look after one another.
“We are able to mentor each other to build our confidence while are also networking socialising at the same time.”
For more information visit the Soroptimist International South West Pacific federation website.
