Soroptimist International of Melbourne Inc

22/03/2026

Sarah Barnbrook, NCWV Human Rights, ICT and Social Media Adviser, warned that emerging technologies are rapidly
changing the scale of harm experienced by women online. “Artificial intelligence is changing the scale and the velocity of
harm. Abuse and misinformation can now be generated instantly, replicated infinitely, and distributed across borders. If we
are serious about improving women’s health outcomes, we must address the digital environments where misinformation
and technology-facilitated abuse can undermine women’s safety, wellbeing and access to trusted health information.”

21/03/2026

SI Melbourne member Sarah Barnbrook participated in a Health Panel with leaders to discuss issues affecting women

A brilliant hashtag event at Government House today, hosted by the National Council of Women Victoria. Very important women's health insights and conversations from the panel, which included Prof Cassandra Szoeke and Prof Helena Teede AM, hosted by Jacinta Parsons, with a message from The Honourable Ged Kearney MP.

Did you know that Australian women are most likely to die from chronic diseases of the brain and heart?

But, too often chronic disease research has focused on male bodies. The treatments aren’t tailored for women, and the symptoms are misunderstood. Women’s bodies function differently to men’s, and this research has been overlooked.

Reproductive health issues, like breast cancer, have gone from devastating deaths, to now a 98% survival rate. Australia is on track to become the first country to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035. This is what targeted research can do to improve women’s health.

This IWD, – we need to hashtag and apply the same focus to chronic diseases affecting both women and men - there are many differences that haven't been properly studied in women yet.

20/03/2026

Very proud that SI Melbourne has our President Cherrie Power presenting at CSW70 New York at 29:38.

Join SISEAP President Joanne Yeoh, Programme Convenor Dr Donnell Davis, Nayomi Kannangara – CEO, International Women’s Development, Agency - Australia, Sorop...

10/03/2026

We are proud to have three members currently in NYC at CSW70!

How are homelessness, discrimination, and access to justice connected for women and girls?

In a new CSW70 blog, Soroptimist International delegate Sarah Barnbrook (SI Melbourne Inc.) reflects on the parallel event “A Home for All Is Justice for All”, hosted by the NGO Working Group to End Homelessness. The discussion highlighted how barriers to housing, land ownership, inheritance rights, and employment place many women and girls at greater risk of homelessness.

Speakers emphasised that homelessness is rarely a single event. It is often the result of structural inequality, poverty, and violence experienced across the life course.

Read the blog and keep up to date with Soroptimist International’s events, blogs, and activities at CSW70 on our hub:
https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/csw70/

08/03/2026

Thrilled to spend International Women's Day at Times Square with our World President Renata.

07/03/2026

💜🌏 International Women’s Day 2026 🌏💜
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and girls, and to renew our commitment to a more equal world.

Progress happens when opportunities are shared and when we actively work to create fairness and equality. When we support women and girls to learn, grow and succeed, the benefits extend far beyond individuals to families, communities and future generations.

At Soroptimist International of Melbourne, education is at the heart of how we create lasting change.

Through the Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship, we support women pursuing a PhD at the University of Melbourne whose research contribute to expanding our knowledge in plant, animal or viral genetics. The scholarship helps to advance their education, research and leadership.

We are also proud to recognise the achievements of students at River Nile School through our Award of Excellence, celebrating the resilience, determination and potential of young women building brighter futures through education.

By investing in education and opportunity, we help create a world where women and girls can thrive and where equality continues to grow.

✨ This International Women’s Day, join us in supporting women and girls to learn, lead and succeed.

The photos feature River Nile School students who received an Award of Excellence at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony, Dame Margaret Blackwood and the 2025 Dame Margaret Blackwood Soroptimist Scholarship recipients.

02/02/2026

SI Melbourne is a donor to Smith Family.

02/02/2026

SI Melbourne members attend NCWV Pioneer Women in Aviation 1/2/2026. A wonderful event was held on Sunday 1/2/2026 to celebrate the women pioneers in Aviations. Currently women are only 8% of of all pilots in Australia and world wide. We had four women speaking about their journey as pilots: the ground breaking work of Captain Deborah Lawrie (Wardley) AM who took Reg Ansett to the High Court with Fay Marles, head of the Victorian Human Right Commission to win a case that employers could not discriminate agains women. See two books written about woman who have become pilots.

01/02/2026

Congratulations to Linda Scott for transferring to SI Mebourne.

01/02/2026

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL Melbourne AGM meeting was held on 28/1/2026 and elected Cherrie Power as President, Robyn Byrne Secretary and President, Mina Sirini as Treasurer. Our thanks to Maggie Mitchell outgoing President and Linda Baynham for all their hard work for the last couple of years.

01/02/2026

NCWV were please to host President of SI Ghandara Reza Sadaf in Melbourne on 15/1/2026. We meet for coffee, visited The NGV Australia at Federation Square, had lunch, visited Dr Ya Hui Hung's A-Mazing Brain project for kids by the Yarra, went to the State Library of Victoria and the NGV International. It was great to meet you Reza and hear about SI Ghandara.

14/12/2025

SI Melbourne performing Christmas carols at MECWA Gregory Lodge for the residents and donated Christmas presents. Our thanks to Dr Ya Hui Hung our pianist, Sheila for organising it, club members for participating and the staff and residents of MECWA Gregory Lodge.