Soroptomists call for more members
Soroptomist Durban is doing its bit to improve lives.
THE Durban chapter of Soroptimist International (SI) is part of a worldwide organisation striving to make the lives of those in need that much easier. In 1964, a group of local women put Durban on the SI map by launching a club of their own.
SI was established in California in the 1920s by a group of women whose husbands had formed the then exclusively male Rotary Club. Fast forward to 2013, SI now has 3500 clubs spanning 126 countries and is the largest women’s service organisation in the world. The organisation has also had consultative status with the United Nations since 1984.
Since then, SI Durban has been instrumental in a number of service related initiatives. “While the club is about networking and social interaction, 80 per cent of what we do is centred around service,” says Yatisha Ramdarie, president elect of SI Durban. Now in its 49th year, SI Durban is made up of 27 members from different backgrounds and walks of life who work together on projects involving the enhancement of women and children’s lives through advocacy, action and awareness.
In August this year, the Durban chapter of SI hosted the 49th AGM of SI South Africa and had seven other national clubs attend. “Hosting the conference created a platform, allowing us to have an in-depth insight into the world of Soroptimism,” said Annisha Shree, president of SI Durban. The conference ended with a gala dinner, attended by first lady, Madam Tobeka Zuma.
SI Durban is involved in a number of projects and initiatives. “We are called upon to help in all spheres and we will help wherever there is a need,” explains Ramdarie. Just this year, SI Durban collected books for literary day, collected cans for Chesire Home for the physically and mentally disabled, distributed pamphlets on women’s rights to help educate and empower and held a laughter yoga workshop at Mothwa Haven old age home, to name a few. “The Adventure into Womanhood and our support of Hope Farm are two initiatives that really stand out for me,” says Ramdarie.
Adventure into Womanhood is an event where girls selected from various schools are invited to spend the day attending various workshops ranging from health and beauty to choosing a career. “These pupils would not ordinarily be exposed to the volume of knowledge that every girl should be equipped with, had they not attended this event which we hold annually,” explains Ramdarie. SI Durban’s affiliation with Hope Farm is also close to Ramdarie’s heart as she says that the couple who live on the farm and look after disabled children they have adopted are an inspiration.
Members meet every third Tuesday of the month to discuss projects going forward. However you don’t need to be a member to volunteer your services to the club and help out where and when you can.
While the Durban chapter is a small club, they enjoy a wide global reach and have an international voice with the United Nations through their affiliation with SI.
“We would like to encourage more people to join our club. Often people want to help and make a difference but don’t know how. We all have something to offer and can help in some way. Because there is such a diversity in the projects we run and organisations we partner with, all members are able to help in some way,” says Ramdarie.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.soroptimistsouthafrica.org, find them on Facebook or email yatisha4@gmail.com
