December 10, in addition to being the United Nations' Human Rights Day, is also Soroptimist International Day.

This Appeal was started in 1982 by then International President, Catharine Salt, (from the UK). Catharine asked Soroptimists around the world to make a personal sacrifice on this day so that the money raised could be given, at the International President's discretion, to women in great need anywhere in the world. Her choice was to aid refugee women and children in Malaysia. Over US$ 20,000 was raised that year.

 

 

The last 10 years of Appeals

International Presidents have suggested appeals ever since. In the last 10 years these have been for:

2009 Hopes & Dreams for Everyone - in Moldova

Partnered by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and CRIC (the Child Rights Information Centre in Maldova), the aim is to educate children regarding the danger of trafficking. It also aims to provide education, a place to live, work possibilities, and an economy that makes them able to maintain a decent way of living in familiar surroundings.

2008 Restoring Dignity - Securing a Future

This year's appeal built on the work of the previous year at the Desta Mender Village in Ethiopia by funding a new cafe and vehicle for the village. The cafe provides employment for girls at the village who are unable to return home - these are girls whose fistulae cannot be completely cured. 

2007 Restoring Dignity

Funds from this appeal provided vocational training and independence for girls who were long term residents at the Desta Mender village at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. 

2006 Project Punjab

In partnership with Oxfam, this increased girls attendance at school and improved the quality of education in a rural, impoverished area of the Punjab in Pakistan.

2005 Roll Back Malaria

Working with the World Health Organisation in the rural community of Zé in Benin, Africa – to ensure that every pregnant woman and children under five was protected against and educated about malaria.

2004 Children of Peace

Working with the organisation, Children of Peace International, funds were provided to restore life to the young women and children living in the Ho Chi Minh Youth Shelter in Vietnam. 

2003 The Dignity Programme

Partnered with the Project for the People of Paraguay to address problems of economic disparity through education, vocational training and job placement for women and families in Paraguay.

2002 Continuum of Care

Working in partnership with Medicine Sans Frontiere in the Ukraine, to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS from mothers to unborn child. 

2001 Peace Ambassadors – Building Peace Among Children

Working in partnership with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS). 

2000 Legacy of Learning, Educational and Vocational Training

Aimed at young girls in Inner Mongolia, Peoples Republic of China. 

1999 Soroptimists Stop Traffick 

This highlighted the increase in the newly identified trafficking of women and children. The appeal worked with Miramad and the Angel Coalition in Russia and UNIFEM in India.