Kernow Soroptimists

21/10/2026

SI Kernow were represented at the Soroptimist International High-Level Roundtable on AI and Women’s Health this month.
Soroptimist Sowmya attended the Women’s Health in the AI Era: From Innovation to Impact, on 9 October 2026 at Marlborough House, London, headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat.
This event was convened by Soroptimist International in partnership with The Commonwealth. The invitation-only event brought together distinguished guests, representatives of international organisations, healthcare experts, researchers and civil society leaders to explore how artificial intelligence can improve women's health.
Among the distinguished speakers were Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women’s Health Ambassador for England, and Her Majesty Queen Angelique-Monét Gureje-Thompson, Queen of Eti-Oni, Osun State, Nigeria, who delivered the closing remarks.
A particularly powerful message came from Dame Lesley Regan, who reminded participants that “women are not small men.” She highlighted the historic underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and medical research, and the need for better data, research and testing that reflect women's specific health needs.
Sowmya participated in the thematic discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health, exploring opportunities for AI to improve mental healthcare while ensuring appropriate safeguards, human oversight and protection of vulnerable individuals.
Education emerged as a key priority, alongside the importance of ensuring women and communities from the Global South are represented in medical research and AI development, so that advances in healthcare benefit everyone.
The roundtable concluded with recommendations from six thematic discussions, which will contribute to Soroptimist International's reporting and future advocacy and policy work.
The event highlighted the importance of bringing women's experiences and perspectives into international discussions on AI and healthcare, reflecting Soroptimist International's wider commitment to influencing policy and advancing the wellbeing of women and girls.
SIGBI

13/10/2026

Ada Lovelace Day 13th October 2026...celebrating women and girls in STEM.

Ada Lovelace was born on 10 December 1815 and died on 27 November 1852. She was an English mathematician who worked with Charles Babbage on his proposed mechanical computer. In 1843 she published notes describing how the machine could follow a sequence of instructions to carry out calculations... this is why she is often recognised as the world’s first computer programmer.

Ada Lovelace Day celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), and encourages more girls to explore these subjects.
want women and girls to have the opportunities, education and confidence to reach their full potential. We are proud to support TECgirls and the work they do to get girls interested in technology here in Cornwall.

Within their activities girls are given the opportunity to explore coding, programming and automation... getting hands-on with technology, sharing ideas and discovering what they can do in the world they live in.

By supporting projects run by TECgirls, we hope to encourage more girls to consider opportunities they might not otherwise have thought about. Every girl deserves the chance to learn, develop her skills and decide for herself what her future might look like.

Soroptimist SIGBI .e.c.girls TECgirls

11/10/2026

Good news

A new specialist court is launching in Cornwall to improve support for people affected by domestic abuse.

The Specialist Domestic Abuse Court will bring together courts, police and support services at dedicated sessions in Truro and Bodmin Magistrates’ Courts.

11/10/2026

We are pleased to announce that Kernow Soroptimists appear in the Skills for the Future section for their support of TECgirls - allowing girls in Cornwall to get 'hands-on' opportunities with technology.
Soroptimist SIGBI Soroptimist International Global

11/10/2026

Celebrating girls!!

This International Day of the Girl Child, we're proud to support girls' education in our own community.

Our club, has supported .e.c.girls across the last two years with a variety of STEM activities designed to encourage local girls into the world of technology. We both believe every girl should be able to see herself as a creator, innovator and leader in the industries shaping our future, regardless of where she lives or the opportunities available around her.

By supporting girls to learn and thrive, we're helping build a future where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Why not join us? Find out more about what we do to make a difference to the opportunity of girls in Cornwall: https://sigbi.org/kernow/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kernow%20soroptimists%20


Soroptimist SIGBI .e.c.girls

11/10/2026

This International Day of the Girl Child, we're proud to support girls' education in our own community.

Our club, has supported .e.c.girls across the last two years with a variety of STEM activities designed to encourage local girls into the world of technology. We both believe every girl should be able to see herself as a creator, innovator and leader in the industries shaping our future, regardless of where she lives or the opportunities available around her.

By supporting girls to learn and thrive, we're helping build a future where every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Why not join us? Find out more about what we do to make a difference to the opportunity of girls in Cornwall: https://sigbi.org/kernow/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kernow%20soroptimists%20


Soroptimist SIGBI .e.c.girls

07/10/2026

Kernow Soroptimists had a stand at the Falmouth University Volunteering and Fundraising Fair at the Penryn Campus. At this event we focussed on two of our current projects - Stamp Out Spiking and The White Ribbon Pledge. We spoke to lots of students who shared their knowledge and experiences with us. We were able to give away lots of anti-spiking materials and persuaded many people to take The White Ribbon Pledge. There is a real need to educate young people about the dangers of spiking and how to support their friends when socialising. This is not just a women's issue! Whilst talking to the students we were able to raise the profile of soroptimism and what our organisation offers women. We were pleased to see other organisations present who we already have strong links with. A good day for networking!
Soroptimist SIGBI Stamp Out Spiking White Ribbon UK Inspiring Women Network Cornwall Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union

06/10/2026

Kernow Soroptimists Jill and Helen were delighted to visit Budehaven Community School and deliver four Anti-Spiking workshops to the lovely sixth form students.

Over 100 young people improved their understanding of what spiking is, how it can happen and the dangers and impact it can have. We explored how to recognise the signs of spiking, challenged some of the myths and stigma surrounding it, and discussed practical strategies that young people can use to help keep themselves and their friends safe.

We finished by looking at what to do if someone thinks they have been spiked, including the importance of getting help, supporting the person affected and reporting concerns. The students were pleased to hear that spiking is now recognised as a specific criminal offence.

Spiking can happen to anyone, and knowing the facts, looking out for one another and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right can make a real difference.

We had a great day, with lots of thoughtful questions and positive engagement from the students, and we were delighted to be invited back next year!

A huge thank you to the staff at Budehaven for welcoming us and to all the students for taking part so enthusiastically.
Stamp Out Spiking

Soroptimist SIGBI

03/10/2026

Kernow Soroptimists send love and greetings to all soroptimists in our worldwide organisation.
Soroptimist International celebrates this day to mark when the very first Soroptimist Club was established in Oakland, California in 1921. Together, across continents and cultures, Soroptimists transform the lives of women and girls in need through local and international projects, friendship links with other clubs, and partnerships with local organisations that support the same vision as Soroptimist International.
Being a soroptimist enables you to learn about so many different cultures, beliefs and thought processes. Step out of your comfort zone and travel beyond your own back yard!
Soroptimist SIGBI .simni SI Minerva

03/10/2026

We're working hard on our new website. It's going live later this month. We think you're going to like it!
Soroptimist SIGBI
Fat Beehive