Soroptimist International Manchester

Help us raise more money for the Diamond Education Grant.

The grant is funded from donations received from Membership fees, friends, legacies, the recycling scheme adopted by some clubs and interest received on investments.
Legacies have also historically provided our main source of funding, and we would ask you to remember the DEG if they are reviewing their Wills! In addition, we urge our Members to consider registering for Gift Aid.

Wondering how many applications we get?

In the most recent application round Trustees had to review 348 applications with a total request for 1.352 million pounds!! Clearly, we do not have that kind of money available and we had to give serious consideration to the applications to find the right candidates to allocate the funding.

This year we authorised thirty one grants with a total value of around £34,000. We couldn’t continue to grant funds at this level without the generous legacies that the fund has received over the years.

Find out more about the grant and the eligibility to apply here - https://sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-charities/deg/

Read our blog https://thehub.sigbi.org/blog/view/Diamond_Education_Grant__Blog_September_2024_h3s.

Do you know about the Diamond Education grants?

8th September is our very first Soroptimist Diamond Education Grant Day.

So, this week we’ll be shining a spotlight on the Diamond Education Grant and sharing some of the incredible stories of the women who have benefited from the grant.

The Diamond Education Grant was set up as a charity in 1972. Resonating the Soroptimist Vision; We believe that every woman deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, regardless of her circumstances. Many women face barriers that prevent them from pursuing higher education or securing meaningful employment. Whether it's financial hardship, lack of resources, or overwhelming life challenges, these obstacles can seem insurmountable.

But together, we can change that.

Our mission is to provide financial assistance to women who are determined to break through these barriers. We offer financial aid to help women continue their education, gain new skills, and secure employment that will lead to a brighter future. By investing in these women, we are not just changing their lives; we are uplifting entire families and communities.

Find out more about the grant and the eligibility to apply here - https://sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-charities/deg.

Members of SI Manchester recently hosted Terry Maunsell, National President of Soroptimist International Australia Inc. 💐
We had a lovely time, taking in the beautiful architecture of Manchester with places like central library and the Midland Hotel, and of course taking in Emmeline Pankhursts' statue. We went down to Deansgate where we paused for a coffee in a cosy little independent coffee shop. ☕️
We then passed through St Ann's Square, taking in Barton Arcade and the Royal Exchange Theatre. 🎭
We followed this with a tour of Manchester Cathedral ⛪️ and finished with a lovely lunch at The Old Wellington, in the medieval quarter, which was built in 1552. 🥗🍷
On the way back we popped into St Ann's Church in St Ann's Square to see the amazing windows.
It was so interesting to hear how they do things differently there and we were inspired to take away some of their ideas back to our club. Hopefully we can set up a friendship link to continue the relationship in the future. 🙏🏻
All round a great day!! 🎊

We are pleased to support Act4Africa
The Grains for Growth programme is empowering women farmers …..

Act4Africa has taken a significant step forward in empowering local farmers through the Grain for Growth Programme. After facing losses in the first planting season, farmers participated in hands-on training sessions at a demonstration farm. Under the guidance of an agricultural expert and Act4Africa staff, led by Executive Director Mr Patrick (flat cap), farmers learned improved maize planting techniques. With the return of the rains, they are now equipped to apply this knowledge in their fields. High-quality maize seeds were also distributed, boosting their chances for a successful harvest. We are confident that these practical experiences, coupled with expert supervision, will enhance their farming skills, leading to increased yields and improved income for the farmers later this year in Mayuge, Uganda.

Amazing 3 days for 82 girls…..

What a wonderful afternoon was had by members and friends at this year's annual fundraising garden party, hosted by Rosemary and Gus and organised by Alison.
🏡🌴🌳
A welcome drink and afternoon tea was served to over 20 guests.
🎂💐🥂
Thanks to Sue for the tombola, 🎁 Fiona for serving the cakes from the bake stall, 🍰 and Gus for manning the bar.
🍷🍺🍹
Thank you to all the guests for making it such a lovely afternoon.
💐☀️🥳
Thanks to all those who came, and those who couldn't and so donated money and prizes.
💰🎁🙂
All in all the afternoon raised in the region of £600 which will go to the projects we support.❤️🙏🏻✨️

With The Pankhurst – we just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

Members (and a few partners) spent a wonderful evening at the first of our new social suppers. This one kindly hosted by Fiona. 🍽
The food was spectacular and the company was vibrant. 😋
It's always nice to get together socially, thanks Fiona! 💐
We are looking forward to the next one at Shena's in September ✨️

One of the projects we support 🙏🏻✨️

Did you know that in Uganda you have to pay to go to school? Plus to attend you have to provide basic requirements - such as paper and brooms - as well as wear the correct uniform or you can't attend.

For so many living in poverty this is out of reach and many young people go to the streets instead of attending school.

At our residential site we provide catch-up lessons for those who have been out of school, helping them with academic subjects and preparing them to return to a classroom setting.

Huge thanks to all of our funders, sponsors and education supporters who believe, like we do, that every young person deserves the chance to fulfil their dreams through education. Want to find out more? Visit our website: https://buff.ly/3xPcMLQ

The beautiful Donna Ashworth ❤️

DON’T MISS ME MORE

Don’t miss me more than once a day,
For life is moving fast.
Don’t wish all of your time away,
Dreaming of the past.

Don’t waste the moment looking at,
The things I left behind me.
I’m not within those walls or boxes
The heart is where you’ll find me.

Don’t dread to say my name, sweet one,
Don’t fear the wrath of sadness.
Just take the love you had for me,
And turn it into gladness.

Don’t worry when my birthday comes
Don’t feel me missing more.
I’m filled with love you’re sending me,
Just as I was before.

Some days your anger will rush out,
Your tears will find their way.
To me, wherever I am then.
I’ll soothe them all away.

When I am gone don’t miss me more,
Than once, or twice a day.
There’s so much life to live, my love.
I’m with you, all the way.

Donna Ashworth
From ‘LOSS’
https://amzn.eu/d/fwIp4VX

Art by Catherine McMillan, Art 💫

Great day out with the kids! 🥳😎

Looking for a good day out this school holiday? Visit the Pankhurst on Thursdays or Sundays for an Edwardian Summer with games, trails (for adults too!), explore the museum and make some toys to take home! All free, book here: https://bit.ly/43l2AF9

✅️ Do you want to make a difference to the lives of women and children everywhere?
✅️ Do you want to work with liked-minded women?
✅️ Do you want to be part of an International Women’s Organisation?
✅️ Yes? 🙋🏼‍♀️

Then you’re in the right place! We are looking for new members.🥳

Join your local club today and you will belong to an organisation of women working to improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.

Find out more from our website
https://sigbi.org/manchester/
or pop along to a meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, in Sale. Contact our membership officer, Sophie, using the Contact Us button at the top of this page or via [email protected] for more details.

Listen to one of our members, Fiona, talk about the work that we do and the projects that we support, on the 'Meet the Mancunian' podcast 🎙️🎧✨

https://www.meetthemancunian.co.uk/meet-the-mancunian-talking-supporting-women-and-girls-with-fiona-spencer/

Women and girls with Fiona Spencer Interview with Fiona Spencer, Soroptomist on International Women's Day.

With September only a few weeks away, we would still love you to take on a challenge for street connected children and SALVE! https://buff.ly/3xuRTFG

You can do anything from a bake sale to a bike ride, all that we ask is that you do it in September and either get sponsored or donate to take part.

We are aiming to raise £10,000 for children on the streets but we can't do it without your help. 🙏

THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED!

Produced annually, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report provides an in-depth analysis of ongoing issues, challenges and steps towards achieving the SDGs in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Referring to the most recent data and estimates, the 2024 report details areas with significant setbacks while highlighting tangible progress made.

For example, this year’s report highlights a global reduction in childhood mortality, prevention of HIV infection and improved access to energy and mobile broadband, closing the increasingly widespread digital divide. Similarly, the report also highlights areas where further and accelerated action is needed, particularly those where progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is compromised – particularly in areas such as climate change, peace and security, as well as internal inequalities of the countries and between them.

According to the report, only six years from the 2030 "finish goal", only 17% of SDG goals are fine, while nearly half showing only minimal or modest progress. Much of this lack of progress has been attributed to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as escalating conflicts, geopolitical tensions and a growing climate crisis, which developing countries cannot manage without adequate international support.

The 2024 report calls for immediate and courageous action to address these crises from many facets.
As the world approaches the 2030 deadline for sustainable development, the imperative of conscious, guided action has never been greater!

Read the full report here:

— SDG Indicators - Sustainable Development Goal Indicators

Anyone near Alnwick able to help out Chameleon Buddies ?

We were all delighted to welcome two of our newest members, Helen and Claire, as President Carole presented them with their name badges at last nights club meeting.
😁👋💐🍰🍾✨️🥳

Meet the Mancunian - Talking supporting women and girls with Fiona Spencer Interview with Fiona Spencer, Soroptomist on International Women's Day.

We're excited to share you with our 2023 Annual Report! Find info on Soroptimist International Foundation and read updates on our global impact, global policy and a review of the SI Convention in Dublin, 2023. Read it here: https://ow.ly/G4vh50SARXT

❗️ Please sign this petition ❗️

Every three days, a woman is murdered by her partner or ex-partner. The way the media reports on these deaths directly influences public understandings of domestic abuse – and how we can prevent it.

When a woman is killed by someone she’s been in a relationship with, her death marks the endpoint to a sustained period of coercive control. Accurate and dignified reporting of these killings is essential to preventing more deaths.

In the same way journalists understand they have a responsibility to report suicides with care, Level Up calls for fatal domestic abuse to be treated in the same way.

Sign this Level Up petition here https://sigbi.org/2024/level-up-petition-on-media-guidelines-for-reporting-fatal-domestic-abuse.

🎊Congratulations!! 💐

President Carole presenting Sue with her new members badge at our last meeting.

Welcome Sue, here's to many happy years with SI Manchester.🙏🏻

Members volunteering at The Pankhurst Centre for Emmeline’s birthday.
Sophie Gascoigne
Rosemarie Marginson
Fiona Spencer
Val Jenkins

Susan Hollick Swain, you were missed 💐

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the main United Nations platform on Sustainable Development and has a central role in the follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the global level. The 12th Session has just started at the UN HQ in New York and continues till 18 July.

This year’s theme is “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions”.

Last week we released our High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) Report for 2024. Find out how Soroptimists around the world are supporting key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Visit our website to access the flip book and pdf versions of our HLPF Report:

SI Releases its 2024 HLPF Report - Soroptimist International We are delighted to share with you our HLPF Report for 2024. Role of the HLPF The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) is the main United Nations platform on Sustainable Development and has a central role in the follow up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and theRead More

We are looking forward to supporting this event. Hope to see you there. 🥳🎂🎁🎈

ONE WEEK TODAY (14th July 2024) you can join us for a JOLLY GOOD CELEBRATION of Emmeline Pankhurst's Birthday here at the very home she lived in (11am to 4pm)! There are still some tickets left. Book here: https://bit.ly/4b87kkV

🎉 it’s official, a Friendship Link between one of the oldest clubs and a very young club 🎉
Soroptimist International Manchester Chartered 1926 &
kampala Soroptimist club Chartered 2023