International Women’s Day Isle of Man, Soroptimists Isle of Man, Organisation Websites Isle of Man, Charity websites Isle of Man
A GROUP of women in the Isle of Man are celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
The Douglas Club of the worldwide organisation Soroptimist International GBI has been working since 1952 to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
Mary Williams, president of the Soroptimist International Douglas Club, said: "International Women’s Day gives our local members, as well as Soroptimists around the world, the opportunity to commemorate the achievements of women and to reflect on our roles in different parts of the world.
"The Douglas Club of over 30 women leaders from business, government and the voluntary sector are part of an international organisation which has 90,000 members in over 3,000 clubs in 124 countries and territories.
"Together we are all committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise their aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide."
The Douglas Club fundraises for projects in the Island and further afield. A two year campaign of sponsored swims and walks, coffee mornings and other events raised £7,000 for much needed toilet and laundry facilities in Bangalore, India.
Mary continued: "Now as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Douglas club we are turning our international fundraising efforts to improving educational opportunities for girls and young women through a project in Cambodia.
"But we also have a focus on our Island community. Locally our fundraising and service activities have helped such groups as Robert Owen House, The Stroke Foundation, The Women’s Refuge, The Children’s Centre and Caring for Carers.
"We have packed Christmas shoe boxes for the Ramsey based charity Drop Inn Ministries and delivered 55lbs of trimmed stamps to the One World Centre to assist in the fight against leprosy. All of this takes place in an atmosphere of friendship and fun.
"We hope to help Manx charities and continue with our overseas work in the same way as the original members of the club did in 1952 when Soroptimist International of Douglas was founded."
For more information on Soroptimist International visit www.soroptimist-gbi.org
