Soroptimist SIGBI

03/09/2026

OUR AUTUMN CONFERENCE IS ON THE HORIZON - HAVE YOU BOOKED YET?

Registration for the Soroptimist Cardiff 2026 Conference is OPEN.

Book your ticket here thehub.sigbi.org/events.

Further information about the conference and what to do in Cardiff is on the conference website: sigbi.org/cardiff2026.

02/09/2026

Registration is now open for the 23rd Soroptimist International Global Convention.

Register today and start planning for Prague:
https://siconvention2027.org/registration-guidelines/

Registration is officially open!

The 23rd Soroptimist International Convention is now open for registration, taking place in Prague from 29 September – 1 October 2027.

This is your chance to be part of a truly global event. During Convention, you'll be able to:
- Connect with Soroptimists from every Federation
- Exchange ideas and best practices with members from around the world
- Hear inspiring keynote speakers and international experts
- Take part in engaging discussions and interactive side events

Register today and start planning for Prague:
https://siconvention2027.org/registration-guidelines/

Soroptimist SIGBI Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. Soroptimist International Africa Federation - SIAF Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific Soroptimist International of Europe Renata Trottmann Theresa Lyford - Soroptimist Mariet Verhoef-Cohen

28/08/2026

We are pleased to advise that SIGBI President Gillie O'Rourke and SIGBI Programme Director Lindsay Green were interviewed yesterday by GB News.

We are advised that this will be on the news bulletins/programme tomorrow (Saturday 29 August) between 0600 and 0900 so please do watch it.

We will be receiving a social media post from GB News after the programme airs, together with a link to the item.

27/08/2026

Nepal Flooding and Mudslide

You will have seen on the news the truly horrifying scenes in Nepal/Tibet where a glacier collapse has caused flash flooding and a huge mudslide. This has already caused loss of life and with causalities and missing people, this number is expected to rise even more in the coming hours.

Soroptimist SIGBI President Gillie O'Rourke has reached out to our Soroptimist club in Kathmandu, sending our prayers and thoughts and asking if they need any support.

We are awaiting a response and will share further updates as more information becomes available, particularly if they require assistance through the Soroptimist Emergency Relief Fund.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating disaster. 💙

26/08/2026

Urgent News from No 63

Some members may have heard yesterday that No 63 is closing on 1 October. Sadly the No 63 Board can confirm that this is correct, although it was planned to advise members in a more structured manner. However there is still a lot of work to undertake with regards to the precious asset and the No 63 Board are working hard to obtain the best outcome.

More details will follow in due course and, in the meantime, the No 63 Board would appreciate it if members did not engage in speculation, if you have any queries can you channel them in the first instance to SIGBI President Gillie O'Rourke at email [email protected] who will collate questions and pass them to the appropriate No 63 Board member' (President Gillie is one of the Patrons of No 63).

25/08/2026

This month, we’re delighted to celebrate so many Soroptimist clubs marking incredible charter anniversaries.

Join us in congratulating them on their years of service and dedication to improving the lives of women and girls:

💙 55 years - SI Western Jamaica
💙 55 years - SI Grenada
💙 45 years - SI Anguilla

Interested in finding out more? Visit our website sigbi.org.

24/08/2026

We are delighted to share that the Emergency Relief Fund has sent £1,000 to UNFPA for their Women and Girls in Yemen appeal.

In Yemen, over a decade of conflict, displacement, poverty, and harmful social norms continue to place women and girls at risk. An estimated 6.2 million women and girls are at risk of gender-based violence (GBV), while over 90 per cent of rural areas lack the necessary services to respond to and prevent these acts of violence.

UNFPA are helping survivors move from crisis to recovery.

Find out more about the Soroptimist Emergency Relief Fund sigbi.org/what-we-do/our-charities/emergency-relief-fund.

19/08/2026

30 YEARS IN POLICING

Jennifer McLelland has proudly built an extensive career as a senior public sector leader specialising in safeguarding, vulnerability and partnership working.

Throughout her service, she has led cultural change across policing teams while working closely with Local Authorities, Community Safety Partnerships and Local Resilience Forums to deliver long-term solutions that protect vulnerable communities.

Further information about the conference is on the conference website: sigbi.org/cardiff2026.

14/08/2026

Meet Soroptimists from around the world.

SI Convention 2027 brings together members from every Federation to connect, share ideas and build friendships that span the globe.

Registration opens on 1 September 2026. Pre-register now to receive updates as Convention news and information become available:
siconvention2027.org

12/08/2026

HOW IMPORTANT IS READING TO YOU?

Refuge In Literacy UK began when children’s author Anne Stairmand donated signed copies of her books to a local domestic violence refuge at Christmas 2020.

The response from families was immediate and heartfelt. Many shared how much it meant to receive something personal and thoughtful during a time of intense uncertainty. Anne wondered whether families in refuges across the United Kingdom might feel the same and from this, the non-profit organisation was formed. Come and hear Anne’s story.

Further information about the conference is on the conference website: sigbi.org/cardiff2026.