SIGBI Montréal


SIGBI: A first timer at Convention!


As a first timer, what did I take away from the Montréal Convention? I rushed back to broadcast on our national


website a proverb I hadn’t heard before but summed up the ethos of what we were about in Montréal: If you are planning for a day, catch a fish If you are planning for a year, plant rice If you are planning for a decade, plant trees If you are planning for a lifetime, educate a woman. As a Convention first timer I had no idea what to expect and my abiding memories are of the wonderful women I met from all over the world, their warmth and generosity, the quality of the speakers – each one as inspirational as the next. I know we all talk about the “Friendship”


element of being a Soroptimist, but you truly do not get the real meaning of what you belong to until you attend an international convention. As well as the opportunity to renew old and make new friends from our own


SISWP: A first timer at Convention!


inspiring and challenging. Certainly an experience I would recommend – the opportunity to network with 1100 Soroptimists from 58 countries, make new friends, listen to women who had made a difference in their worlds and yet were human and approachable. What a privilege! I had the challenge of also being a presenter. I had some concerns about the pitch of delivery. Would this be a formal occasion? My concerns disappeared at the friendship evening – there were cowgirls! There were groups in funky uniforms. I thought, these “gals” are not formal or stuffy – they have humour and are friendly. I felt right at home. I was very impressed with the organisation;


simple, straightforward and seamless. If the presenters had time for questions they took all questions at once and then blended their response to give answers to all those who had asked. This was very judicious use of time. The focus was kept where we wanted it – on the answer. The calibre of the presentations was very


high. Yes, Canadians were showcased this time, but their stories were universal. The presentations were a highlight. I learned that we are running out of water – and why. I was reminded that the basics that prevent


The Montréal Convention was exciting,


By Rosalie Byrne-Muir (left), National President, SI Republic of Ireland


federation, Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), wonderful new friendships were made with many other nationalities. Because of a special friendship and


corrected from birth.


exchange of cards I was able to convey the sympathies of our National Soroptimist Association to the incoming President of the Norwegian Soroptimist Association on the terrible tragedy that they suffered in their country last month. This was greatly appreciated by them and


that exchange of emails has established a relationship which I hope we can build on. During the final session when Senator


Mobina Jaffer did her presentation on how we change attitudes to prevent violence against women, one lady from the SIGBI delegation told how she had two married sons and her daughters-in-law had thanked her for bringing them up with such respect for women – I almost felt like crying when you think of the violence against women that, with a little bit of education, could be


Banquet by Cirque Éloize was amazing. From the attendance at the Board


The entertainment during the Gala


Meeting I got to understand the difficult job undertaken by SI and the four Federations – it’s quite like what happens in the clubs but on an international scale. And why the doggy photograph? Well, this is my oddest memory of my trip to Montréal: a very attractive lady sat near me on Sunday morning when I went out for brunch. She asked if she could move a chair at my table to make room from her buggy and I naturally asked if I could look at her baby – the attached photograph shows her baby, Honey. Honey didn’t make a sound all during the meal and smiled for the camera when asked to do so!


SISWP


By Yvonne Simpson, President, Soroptimist International South West Pacific Federation


girls from attending school are often linked with water and sanitation. I relearned that those who had lost the most were often those who gave generously. The universality of the female experience in war torn countries stirred me. Once again education was the key to making a difference. We are on the right path choosing education and leadership. I was impressed with how Canada has


addressed the issue of immigration; they welcome a 1% increase per year to their population through immigration. This makes for a diverse and welcoming society. The workshops enabled us to choose areas of interest – and closely engage with other Soroptimists. We could wander and chat or browse the booths, some retail, others projects and conferences. I had time to have dinner on the Lawrence river boat, attend an enthralling recital of four tenors in the old basilica and wander through the historical town. I appreciated the opportunity to be updated


on programme and to find out more about The Global Impact Report; a major resource for Soroptimists. Our programme team excelled themselves when the objectives were chosen by the Programme Voting Delegates. A highlight was the gala dinner with past


international presidents on stage conducting proceedings. It was heartwarming to connect


in this way to our history and to acknowledge those who had led our organisation. Hanne gave us her highlights; we enjoyed


her engaging manner. We learned from her that Soroptimists prefer to support a specific project. Margaret presented her biennium and we celebrated the challenges and contrasts she experienced. Her appeal for fistula patients once again touched me.


had achieved in the past four years. The details may have been different, but the common thread of programme to empower women and girls was very evident. So, I am planning to go to Istanbul in 2015. I will take a shawl to be prepared for air- conditioning, my camera, and an open mind. I look forward to reconnecting with women who are now friends and being recharged again for programme. Thank you Yvonne Machuk and your committee - you did us proud.


TIS September 2011 Page 11 I also enjoyed hearing what the federations


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