Helping to spread a little hope
Promoting peace globally
It is a global organisation which has sought to improve the lives of women and girls throughout the world for almost 100 years.
And education has always been a key driver behind the work of Soroptimist International (SI), which was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, and began life in the UK later the same year.
Advocating human rights and gender equality are at the heart of SI’s work
And members of the Crieff branch have invited Strath residents to mark the United Nations International Day of Peace on Monday by “spreading compassion, kindness and hope” in the face of the Covid- 19 pandemic.
The day is celebrated across the globe every year on September 21, and Soroptimists had been hoping to use the day to promote peace and raise awareness of climate change.
Janice Wilson, programme action officer for SI Crieff, explained: “The theme for 2020 is ‘Shaping Peace Together’.
“Soroptimists believe that everyone worldwide must combat climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world.
“We are not each other’s enemies as we found out this year - our common enemy is the virus that threatens our health, our security and our very way of life.
“Members of SI Crieff had hoped to hand out roses in Crieff on the International Day of Peace this year to make everyone aware of Soroptimists’ commitment to t h e Sus t a i n a b l e Development Goal number 16 - the goal that promotes Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. However, government restrictions have forced us to cancel this activity.
“Instead, we ask everyone to celebrate this day with us by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.
“Lastly lets remember Mother Teresa who said: ‘Peace begins with a smile.’”
To find out more about Soroptimism in the Strath, go to https://sigbi.org/crieff