CSW70 proved to be a defining and historic session. For the first time in the Commission’s history, the Agreed Conclusions were put to a vote following late-stage amendments introduced by a Member State after weeks of negotiations. These amendments were resoundingly rejected, and a clear majority adopted the Conclusions.
When a further attempt was made to redefine existing terminology in UN documents, Soroptimist International (SI) worked closely with civil society partners and supportive delegations to oppose the change. Through coordinated advocacy, the effort was halted via a no-action motion led by Belgium on behalf of the European Union — a significant outcome to which SI’s unified engagement strongly contributed.
This year also reflected a unique representation dynamic within SI. While the total Soroptimist contingent at CSW70 stood at 136 participants, the SISEAP Federation was represented by just 7 Soroptimists. Despite our smaller numbers, SISEAP’s visibility, influence, and contributions remained strong and impactful throughout the programme.
SI’s advocacy extended beyond negotiations. SI wrote to the UN Secretary-General expressing our concerns about the proposed merger of UN Women and UNFPA, warning that such a step risks weakening the gender equality mandate, diluting accountability, and stretching already limited resources. This letter has been shared with UN missions, agencies, and key civil society networks, and SI will continue to actively engage on this matter.
CSW70 also brought heightened global attention to UN leadership with the current UN Secretary General stepping down in the second half of 2026.. With an overwhelming majority of female candidates emerging compared to a minority of male contenders, the possibility of a woman serving as the next UN Secretary-General has significantly increased. This development marks a powerful moment in the larger movement toward gender-balanced global leadership.
During the two-week session, we were honoured to speak at several high-impact side events, including:
“Lifelong Learning and AI: Implications for Women and Girls”
“Women, Water & Health: A Commonwealth Perspective — A Case Study from Rural East Malaysia”
These engagements provided an important platform to highlight rural women’s realities, promote evidence-based solutions, and reinforce Soroptimists’ work in advancing education, health, and community resilience.
Despite our smaller delegation, SISEAP’s presence at CSW70 was strong, strategic, and meaningful, contributing to key outcomes and shaping the global gender equality discourse. We return with renewed determination to advocate, to protect hard-won language, and to champion the rights of women and girls within our region and across the world.
SISEAP Legacy Fund – Building a Future That Will Outlast Us
We are proud to announce the establishment of the SISEAP Legacy Fund, a meaningful milestone in our Federation’s journey of service. This Fund is more than a financial resource — it is a promise. A promise that the work we do today will continue to uplift women and girls for generations to come.
The Legacy Fund strengthens our future by providing stability, continuity, and resilience. It ensures that long after each of us has served our term, the Federation remains empowered to act boldly and sustainably.
We warmly invite members, friends, and supporters to consider being part of this enduring vision — whether through a contribution today or by remembering SISEAP in your Will.
A legacy gift is one of the most powerful expressions of belief in our mission. It says that the work we do matters — not only now, but far into the future.
Together, we are not just building programmes. We are building permanence. Let us leave a legacy of hope, opportunity, and impact that future Soroptimists will be proud to carry forward.
Any queries or further information required, please contact SISEAP Director, Deborah Wood, director.deborah@siseap.or who is spearheading the SISEAP Legacy Fund.
Plant a Mangrove Sapling” Campaign Gains Momentum — Join Us in Growing Impact!
Our Plant a Mangrove initiative is gaining wonderful traction, with 27 mangrove saplings already paid for or pledged. This growing support reflects our shared commitment to environmental stewardship as we move toward the Conference of Clubs (COC) and strengthen our collective ESG efforts across the Federation.
Mangroves are powerful symbols of resilience — protecting coastlines, restoring ecosystems, and supporting biodiversity. By planting one, you are not only contributing to a greener future but also aligning SISEAP with global sustainability actions. As we build momentum leading up to the COC, we warmly encourage more members, clubs, and supporters to subscribe to this initiative. Every sapling planted is a step toward climate action, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Let’s continue this positive wave.
Dear Soroptimist Sisters, As we approach the close of 2025, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each of you for a blessed and joyful Christmas season. May this time be filled with peace, renewal, and meaningful moments with your loved ones. As we look toward 2026, may it be a year of hope, fresh possibilities, and strengthened commitment to the women and girls we serve. Let us step forward with courage, unity, and purpose. I am also delighted to invite you to the SISEAP COC Conference 2026—a meaningful gathering that will uplift, inspire, and bring our Federation together.
Early bird registration is open!
Early bird rate ends 31 January 2026.
Register before 31 December 2025 to receive an exclusive personalised gift specially prepared for our early registrants.
A special highlight award presented at the SISEAP Conference of Clubs is The Changemakers Award, honouring five outstanding Soroptimists who have:
Created significant and lasting impact in their communities,
Advanced the empowerment of women and girls, and
Served the organisation with dedication and leadership.
We warmly encourage each Club to put forward a nomination. If you know a sister who has inspired you, led meaningful change, or transformed the lives of women and girls—this is the moment to uplift her story.
Nominating a fellow Soroptimist is a powerful act of recognition. It shines a light on the quiet strength, tireless service, and extraordinary commitment of our sisters who work passionately—often behind the scenes—to empower women and girls. Let us celebrate them together.
Send your nomination to Federation Secretary Cynthia Martin, federationsecretary@siseap.org by 5pm AEDT, 8 February 2026.
On World Clean Up Day (20 September 2025), let us stand together as a Federation to take a visible, united stand against pollution. This day is more than just a clean-up—it is a global movement of citizens who refuse to accept waste and environmental neglect as the norm.
Each of us can make a difference by dedicating just one day to act: picking up litter in our neighbourhoods, organising beach or riverbank clean-ups, reducing single-use plastics, or educating our communities on sustainable practices. When we come together in action, we send a powerful message—that pollution is not someone else’s problem, it is ours to solve.
The health of our planet directly shapes the health of our people. By standing up on this day, we protect our children’s future and honour our responsibility as stewards of the earth.
Let us commit to turning awareness into action. One day of collective effort can spark the change our environment desperately needs.
Don't forget to celebrate your event impact via social media to amplify our Federation's efforts.
Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over 5 Federations
