President Message - October 2026
Dear Soroptimist’s,
October invites us to turn our attention to the rights, health and potential of girls and women. On 11 October at 11.30am AEST , the International Day of the Girl Child will be acknowledged by celebrating girls’ voices and aspirations—and we will renew our commitment to helping every girl grow up safe, healthy and able to shape her future. To highlight this day the Federation is providing a Public Speaking competition "The Power of My Voice"? Public speaking is more than delivering words, it is a catalyst for empowerment, leadership, and self-expression.
Also this month, I’m pleased to invite you to the launch of our Federation Women’s Health Campaign, “Her Health, Our Wealth,” at an online webinar on Saturday 24 October at 2.00 pm AEDT.
Across SISEAP communities, women and girls face many health challenges—from sexual and reproductive health and non-communicable diseases to mental health, gender-based violence and infectious diseases. Our campaign aims to strengthen gender-equitable health and wellbeing through community-led, evidence-based action over the next two to three years.
Awareness is an important beginning, but we want to move further: from awareness to knowledge, action, access and—where possible—better health outcomes. Each Club knows its community best. A shared planning framework can help us identify local needs, understand who is most affected, address barriers, find trusted partners and consider what changes as a result of our work.
When providing health education, I encourage Clubs to partner with qualified clinicians, health services, government health departments or recognised organisations. Reliable partners can help ensure information is accurate—and connect women and girls with the care and services they need.
The webinar will introduce the campaign, share perspectives on women’s health across our Federation, and explore practical ways Soroptimist’s can contribute. I hope you will join us and help make “Her Health, Our Wealth” a meaningful, sustained effort across SISEAP.
With warm wishes,
Anthea Penny
SISEAP 2026-2028 President
