e-suara2010

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President’s message President’s walkabout 8th Biennial Conference What’s up with SIROM clubs The Big Picture Special Wishes

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PRESIDENT’S Message By Datin Indira Naidu

Greetings to all Soroptimist Sisters! After 4 years of silence, SUARA is reborn to emerge as a powerful voice of all Malaysian Soroptimists.

This rebirth is dramatic with a new digital format and structure to serve as a consolidation tool between SIROM and all Clubs. I started my Presidency with a challenging question to all Cl ubs: What Can SIROM Do For US? The response I received at the Dialogue session with Club Presidents on 29th March 2009 is in line with my Objectives for SIROM as well and that is to strengthen and consolidate clubs in Malaysia through regular visits, organize Training sessions for members and act as an effective coordinator between clubs and SISWP. 0 [HYNL[LK T` ]PZP[Z ÄYZ[ [V V\[Z[H[PVU *S\IZ [V HZZLZZ the status with regards to membership, projects and administrative/legal issues. My visits included the presence of SIROM Extension Convenor Beh Suat Pheng as most clubs faced issues on membership retention. Together we worked on a membership drive, with presentation and dialogue sessions on various aspects of Soroptimism tailored to suit the needs of respective Clubs. We visited Kuantan and Teruntum in July/August 2009 and made 3 visits to SI Likas in Sabah (October 2009, January 2010 and March 2010), to revive and recruit new members. On our trip to Miri in October 2009, Nat. Rep. Puan Sri Siew Yong accompanied us on a membership drive cum fund raising event organized by SI Miri, entitled ‘A Gift Of Fitness, Beauty & Spa Experience’ to raise funds for a Miri *P[PaLUZ :OLS[LY HUK [V WYV]PKL HZZPZ[HUJL [V ÄYL ]PJ[PTZ ( joint environment project ‘Kampungku - Waste Management Project for Longhouses’ is to be carried out together with SIPJ in the coming year. In 2009, SIROM was honoured to have SISWP President Leigh Ellwood-Brown visit us on 3 occasions. President Leigh and Dato’ Anusha Santhirasthipam, SISWP Constitution Convenor attended our 8th SIROM Biennial Conference in March 27-29, 2009, held at Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang and attended our AGM as well.

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President Leigh turned 60 on 7th December 2009. SIROM organized a Dinner to celebrate her auspicious day with Malaysian Soroptimist sisters. ;OL ÄYZ[ :0:>7 0U[LYPT )VHYK 4LL[PUN PU 4HSH`ZPH ^HZ OLSK PU 2\HSH Lumpur from April 10-13 2009 at Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya. About 36 Malaysian Soroptimists attended the meeting as observers. SIROM EXCO and Club Presidents worked closely with Nat. Rep. in organizing the IBM. During this period, Christine Johnston, SISWP Website Liaison conducted a website presentation session to members in the Klang Valley.

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SI Friendship Day on October 3rd brought about 20 members together at the Orchid Room, Lake Club for a bonding evening out with good food and games. In December, SISWP President Leigh and PE Yvonne visited Malaysia for the charter of SI Sentul. During their 5 day stay 3-7/12/2009, SIROM together with the Nat. Rep organized various activities for them to meet up with members of the various clubs in the Klang Valley. SI Sentul organized a Dialogue Session for all members on: - Sustainability of new clubs/Strategies to retain members at Clubs in the Federation by SISWP President Leigh. - Future Directions of SISWP & Expectations of Clubs in the Federation by PE Yvonne. President Leigh turned 60 on 7th December 2009. SIROM organized a Dinner to celebrate her auspicious day with Malaysian Soroptimist sisters. The birth of SI Sentul was a joyous event for SIROM. On 6th December 2009, SISWP President Leigh chartered SI Sentul as the 15th club in the Region of Malaysia with Amuthambigai Tharmarajah as President. The Charter Ceremony was held under the patronage of DYMM Tuanku Aishah Rohani, Tuanku Ampuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan. It was a fun ÄSSLK L]LUPUN ^P[O [OL )HUNYH +HUJL I` [OL 5VY[O 0UKPHU [YV\WL In answer to the requests of SIROM members, Membership Development

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The birth of SI Sentul was a joyous event for SIROM.

Convenor, Doris Brodie (now a senator) organized 3 workshops. These were arranged to coincide with the days of Council Meetings to save time and costs especially for outstation members.The workshops were scheduled for the morning followed by lunch break before we start the Council meetings. There was a talk on Fund Raising and another workshop on Programme Reporting. On 27/3/2010 before the AGM members H[[LUKLK HU H^HYLULZZ [HSR VU /\THU ;YHMÄJRPUN followed by a presentation on Extension Strategies and H IYPLÄUN VU :0964 *VUZ[P[\[PVU

Gender Discrimination Through Ensuring Women’s Full Social and Economic Rights.

The SIROM Constitution needed to be amended and Dhamayanthi as our Constitution Convenor worked together with the SISWP Constitution Convenor (20082010) Dato’ Anusha Santhirasthipam.

A delegation comprising Nat. Rep Siew Yong, President Leigh, PE Yvonne, and SIROM EXCO members made HU VMÄJPHS JHSS [V [OL <5+7 9LZPKLU[ 9LWYLZLU[H[P]L MVY Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Mr. Kamal Malholtra. The group briefed Mr. Kamal on SI and the work we do for women and girls. We were briefed on UNDP’s focus for 2010.

An EGM has been called in June 2010 for the Council to approve the amendments. Our sincere thanks to Anusha for her valuable time and effort to sort out not only this but many other issues on Constitution for SIROM.

It is great pride for Soroptimists in Malaysia to have a Senator amongst us. Doris Sophia Brodie, SIROM Membership Development Convenor was appointed a Senator – member of the House of Senate/Ahli Dewan 5LNHYH VU -YPKH` [O 4HYJO :OL PZ [OL ÄYZ[ Senator from Parti Rakyat Sarawak since its inception 6 years ago and the second Iban woman to get the appointment. Heartiest Congratulations, Doris.

Our clubs have done well in projects and have again won Best Practice Awards at Federation and International levels. On 7th December 2009, SWP President Leigh Ellwood Brown presented SICB the SWP (Federation) Best Practice Award for their project ‘Halt Violence Child Safety Workshop’ under the category, End /\THU ;YHMÄJRPUN (UK (SS -VYTZ 6M =PVSLUJL (NHPUZ[ Women. In April 2010, SI President Hanne visited Malaysia and presented SI Penang the SI (International) Best Practice Award for their project ‘ Blossom’, single mothers’ skill training project on the category Eliminate Poverty and

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I would like to congratulate Pn Sri Siew Yong for being elected as SISWP President Elect at the recent Conference of Club held in Australia. It is an honour for all of us in Malaysia and we look foward for her Presidency. We are pleased that 2 of our members have moved up to serve at Federation and International level. Helena Cheah, SIROM Treasurer, is one of the four SWP Programme Coordinators. Dr Indrani Manuel, Past SISWP Programme Director is now SWP representative on the SI e-TIS editorial committee. Best Wishes to all of them.

A study of the Extension Convenor’s Report shows the reduction of members for various reasons. It is obvious that each member has to play a great role at Extension work if we want a healthy membership status in SIROM. It is my greatest wish that SIROM organises a SISTERHOOD TOUR of Sarawak. The heritage sites, Mulu National Park would attract Soroptimists from all over the world. I have had calls from clubs as far as Finland expressing their interest to travel to this part of the world. Now with our sister Senator from Sarawak, there cannot be a better destination for us to explore and we shall go forward. It would be ideal if we could target it for Oct 3rd to coincide with SI Friendship Day.

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“Thank youâ€? members of my EXCO and all Soroptimist sisters, for your valuable support throughout the year.Â

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I would like to thank Editor Sharon Saw for a job well done. Special thanks to Noor Laila Othman (SI Bangsar) VM 7LU\TIYH *VTT\UPJH[PVUZ 4 :KU )OK HUK 9HĂ„X Syaharom, the designer for his technical expertise. I am Z\YL `V\ ^PSS Ă„UK [OL HY[PJSLZ PUMVYTH[P]L HUK PU[LYLZ[PUN

In conclusion â€œThank youâ€? to members of my EXCO and all Soroptimist sisters, for your valuable support throughout the year. Together we will strive to do better.Â

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PRESIDENT’S WALKABOUTS

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MESSAGE From The Editor L ÄYZ[ PZZ\L [O [ U ZL YL W V [ LK HZ SL W 0 HT ZV rs news from ffe o h ic h w , A R A U S ef o I Region of S p u e ak m h ic h w s b u the cl Malaysia (SIROM).

Dear SI sisters, A big thank you to all the clubs who submitted articles and photographs to share and celebrate your successes and hard work towards the objectives of Soroptimism. E-SUARA is YOUR voice – it is an opportunity to showcase your many wonderful and diverse projects to sister clubs and potential soroptimists and allow us to rejoice or even replicate your successes. Being an electronic magazine, we have produced this issue without felling a single tree (though of course you may choose to print it out for those who may not have access to computers). I hope you enjoy seeing the colourful photos and will be inspired by the projects within. Please also note the international events coming up which will allow you to plan ahead. 7SLHZL QVPU TL [V L_WYLZZ HWWYLJPH[PVU [V 9HÄX VM 7LU\TIYH *VTT\UPJH[PVUZ MVY designing this magazine for us. I look forward to the next issue of e-SUARA! Yours in Soroptimism, Sharon Saw

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DATES For Your Diary

19th Soroptimist International Convention in Montréal, Québec, Canada July 10 -14, 2011 Please join us for inspiring speakers, informative workshops and enjoyable social events that will give you opportunities to catch up with Soroptimist friends and make new acquaintances from around the world.

NGO Day Malaysia, 31 July 2010 organized by The Ministry Of Women Community and Family Developement Soroptimist International Friendship Day, 3 October 2010 SI President’s Appeal, 10 December 2010

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SIROM 8th Biennial Conference SUARA

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In line with one of Soroptimist International goals, â€œthat women and girls enjoy equity and equalityâ€?, the Forum at the 8th SIROM Biennial Conference 2009 carried the theme â€œTowards Equity and Equalityâ€?. Well known speakers who work close to this theme articulated on the different aspects of the theme. The speakers and topics were:

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‹ :WLHRLY! 4Z :OHU[P +HPYPHT :WLJPHS (K]PZVY [V 0U[LYUH[PVUHS >VTLUÂťZ 9PNO[Z (J[PVU >H[JO 0>9(> (ZPH 7HJPĂ„J HUK Representative on CEDAW in Malaysia. Topic: CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) - where do we stand in Malaysia? ‹ :WLHRLY! 7\HU AHPUHO (U^HY Founding member and Director, Sisters in Islam (SIS) Topic: Equality in Family and Marriage ‹ :WLHRLY! @) /HQHO 5HUJ` :O\RYP MP Batang Sadong, Sarawak and Chairperson, Women Parliamentary Caucus

Towards Equity and Equality

Topic: Breaking the Glass Ceiling ‹ :WLHRLY! 4Z 3VO *OLUN 2VVP Executive Director of the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) and member of the Penang State Consultative Committee on Women, Family and Community Development. Topic: â€œThe right to be safeâ€? ‹ *OHPYWLYZVU! @ )ON +H[V :OHYVT (OTH[

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Learn to Laugh your way to a Happier, Healthier Tomorrow! >P[O H 4HZ[LY 7YHJ[P[PVULY *LY[PÄJH[PVU PU 5L\YVSPUN\PZ[PJ 7YVNYHTTPUN HUK H WYVMLZZPVUHS JLY[PÄJH[PVU PU /LHS[O Fitness, SI Ipoh President Jeya now conducts Laughter Workshops which combines these two learning disciplines with great fun! Jeya found that laughter not only makes us feel better, but also elevates our mood & raises our energy levels very quickly. This is because when we laugh, it’s a great aerobic workout which sends more oxygen to our organs & tissues. Our muscles also stretch & release endorphins - which is our bodies’ natural morphine. This in turn, increases the performance of our immune system as a whole! Yes, this passionate Laughter Guru is keen to share her knowledge & skills with all who wish to discover more of themselves to transform & further enrich their lives. With this objective, Jeya led a Laughter Workshop at the 8th Biennial Conference which was a welcome icebreaker for our SIROM sisters. Everyone who attended participated enthusiastically and had great fun. Jeyamalar Jeyaratnam, President SI Ipoh

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Aloha Night

e eighty Soroptimists The camaraderie and positive energy among th an abandoned BBQ te spi De . ble nia de un s wa ht nig p shi nd frie on irits and sisterhood on the beach due to heavy rains, their high sp VVYZ H[ [OL 7HU[HP IVUKPUN ^HZ L]PKLU[ L]LU ^OLU JVUÄULK PUK Garden. \Z [YVWPJHS ZOHKLZ YLZZLK MVY [OL VJJHZPVU ÅH\U[PUN [OLPY H[[PYL PU ]HYPV >P[O (SVOH 5P[L HZ [OL [OLTL :VYVW[PTPZ[Z ^LYL K showcase their t and ct ou blue, red, peach and black, guests had to a Banded together by coloured ribbons of pink, I Penang. by IPP Malicca Ratne and Anita Pater from S collective creativity to the ten skits conceived r playing out the tragic love ollecting seashells and enacting a raindance, o Imagine being trapped on a tropical island or c K [\YUZ [V [OL ZRP[Z [OL VM H /H^HPPHU ^LKKPUN >P[O \U\Z\HS [^PZ[Z HU Z[VY` VM 9VTLV HUK 1\SPL[ ILMVYL H JSVZPUN ÄUHSL ZZLZ MVY /VSS`^VVK HUK [HSLU[Z VM :VYVW[PTPZ[Z HZ ZJYPW[^YP[LYZ HUK HJ[YL OPSHYPV\Z LU[LY[HPUTLU[ JVUÄYTLK [OL OPKKLU Bollywood! ther Soroptimists garnered ith their display of the raindance, while three o The pink team bagged the top group prize w from all made everyone a winner. prizes for being the best-dressed. Participation

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Bollywood Gala Charity Dinner :[\UUPUNS` H[[PYLK PU H ZWHYRSPUN YHPUIV^ VM JVSV\YM\S ZHYLLZ HUK W\UQHIP V\[Ä[Z :0 SHKPLZ HUK N\LZ[Z KYLZZLK PU NSP[[LY HUK NSHTV\Y ÄSSLK [OL OHSS Despite a packed SIROM Biennial Conference and an extended AGM, which only ended as the Gala Dinner was about to start, the Soroptimist sisters miraculously managed to transform themselves PU[V )VSS`^VVK Z[HYZ ILÄ[[PUN [OL )VSS`^VVK .HSH Charity Dinner & Dance! Stunningly attired in a sparkling rainbow of colourful sarees and punjabi V\[Ä[Z :0 SHKPLZ HUK N\LZ[Z KYLZZLK PU NSP[[LY HUK NSHTV\Y ÄSSLK [OL OHSS

tuition, couselling, setting up of resource centre, book barrel drive to running a Children’s Personal Safety Workshop for the marginalised children of 5\Y AHOHYHO *LU[YL H[ 1HUKH )HPR SI Petaling Jaya won 1st Runner Up for their 3 Clubs 1 heart initiative via their Peace Through Yoga event, where old folks, underprivileged children and the wheelchair bound enjoyed a morning of yoga. This was an interclub effort, affectionately named ‘3 clubs 1 heart’, which involved SI Bangsar, SI Petaling Jaya and SI Shah Alam, working together to raise funds for a school for the handicapped in Janda Baik.

( JOHYP[` H\J[PVU VM HY[ WPLJLZ HUK H YHMÅL ^P[O wonderful prizes raised funds for Charis Hospice Penang and SI Penang’s Blossom project. One of the eagerly awaited highlights of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the SIROM Best Practice Awards. And the best practice award went to SI Johor Bahru, for their Rohingyas project, which aimed SI Bangsar won 2nd Runner Up for their “Lights to help this unfortunate group who have been of Knowledge” project, a 5-phase project from marginalised and rejected throughout the region.

Congratulations to SI Johor Bahru, SI Petaling Jaya and SI Bangsar for their well deserved awards! Finally, there was the handing over of the Chain VM 6MÄJL HUK ÅHZO I\SIZ ^LU[ VMM JVU[PU\V\ZS` HZ photos were taken of the outgoing and incoming SIROM executive committee. The evening ÄUPZOLK ^P[O KHUJPUN PU[V [OL UPNO[ )VSS`^VVK style! Congratulations to SIROM and the Conference Organising Committee for a superb event and many thanks to SI Penang for being a wonderful host.

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SI Ampang Club Projects

Soroptimist International Club of Ampang has 18 members. Most of us are mothers and work too. With various personal commitments in our daily lives we have managed to make a difference to some people through our projects as listed below. SUARA

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KLGH Children’s Cancer Ward Our pet project is the children’s cancer ward at KLGH. We have been working closely with the ward since 2006, visiting the kids on a regular basis. We have hosted several parties for the children during Hari Raya, Christmas, and other visits with celebrities, Santa Claus and Clowns to entertain the kids. Last Christmas we provided a goody bag of gifts, stationery, tee shirt, a cap, ang pow of RM 20.00, and a Macdonald’s Happy Meal.

Single Mothers We treated them to a sumptious meal at a Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur for “buka puasa“. Charity Bazaars We organize these bazaars yearly to help us raise funds for all our projects. Here is a picture of our lovely members helping out at our charity bazaar.

A very generous sponsor provided the club with 10 plasma television sets and Astro sponsored the decoders for the ward. What a difference it made to the lives of these kids who undergo painful chemotherapy sessions every other day. The cartoon network was something for them to look forward to. Myanmar Hurricane victims We sent food stuff and bottled water to Myanmar.

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COMPASSION GOES GREEN DAY On Sat, 21 Nov 2009, SICB launched the “Compassion Goes Green” (CGG) project in Janda Baik, a joint environment conservation effort by SI Bangsar supported by Deutsche Bank.

It is an empowering project that bonded 120 adults and children, comprising SI Bangsar members & friends, staff and family members of Deutsche Bank who came full force in 2 bus loads, the Nur AHOHYHO >LSMHYL *LU[YL YLZPKLU[Z [OL Orang Asli Community, and the Janda Baik organic farmer cum educationist, Jacky Ho. CGG kicked off with the Pasar Tani (Farmer’s Market) at around 9:00am. Many Orang Asli (natives) families brought their home grown produce consisting of vegetables, bananas, coconuts, plants, ÅV^LYZ HUK ZVTL OHUKPJYHM[Z MVY ZHSL to the captive market. Keeping with the ‘Go Green’ initiative, we brought our own shopping bags, recycled plastic bags and old newspapers to carry our marketing. (M[LY OH]PUN ÄSSLK \W [OL ZOVWWPUN IHNZ ^L HKQV\YULK [V [OL 5\Y AHOHYHO

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Welfare Centre for brunch followed by the launch and Go Green activities. ;OL ºNYLLU ZOLK» ÄUHUJLK I` [OL )HUR was jointly launched by President Sehu Chai Kee and Ms Jacqueline William, Vice President of Deutsche Bank together with Mr. Yahya Jusof, the administrator of the welfare centre. This is a bold step forward in pushing the organic farming agenda for the 5\Y AHOHYHO >LSMHYL *LU[YL )\PS[ ^P[O the sponsorship from Deutsche Bank, this move will provide organic farm produce that can be sold commercially, [O\Z PTWYV]PUN [OL ÄUHUJPHS Z[H[\Z VM the welfare centre for underprivileged children. The hands-on initiative, aimed at advocating sustainable ‘green practices’ to mitigate environmental degradation and climate change, included activities such as making garbage enzyme from discarded fruit peels and compost from dead leaves and banana trunks for the adults, demonstrated by Jacky Ho, while children immersed themselves in art-

education facilitated by our members. The video presentation by Penumbra Communications highlighted relevant environment topics such as recycling, carbon credits, air and water pollution and others, which served to reinforce the urgency of “Going Green” to save Mother Earth from further degradation. The CGG joint effort by SI Bangsar and Deutsche Bank has achieved a new milestone in greening the environment for Janda Baik by:-

Creating awareness on living a sustainable “go green” lifestyle among the adults and children Introducing green issues and carbon footprint education to the children Advocating the use of garbage enzymes, compost and eco-friendly organic farming practices for the Orang Asli families and Supporting eco-friendly organic MHYTPUN H[ 5\Y AHOHYHO >LSMHYL Centre

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EQUAL RIGHTS EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES PROGRESS FOR ALL (Z H ÅLKNSPUN Soroptimist I feel privileged to put a few words together for coffee table reading.

My introduction to the valuable work carried out by SI Ipoh was hard work but fun. I am amazed by the dedication these women put in to make the International Woman’s Day week, held on the 8th March till the 14th March 2010, a successful one. This event on the theme of “EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES, PROGRESS FOR ALL” was organized by Dr. Sharifah Halimah (President of Perak women for women) in conjunction with Ms.Jeya Jeyaratnam (President of SI Ipoh). A team of powerful and determined

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women (together with a couple of men) dedicated their time to participate throughout the seven days. JAYA JUSCO Kinta City 0WVO RPUKS` VMMLYLK \Z ÅVVY ZWHJL HUK H Z[HNL [V SH\UJO [OPZ L]LU[ HUK ZL]LYHS 5.6Z VJJ\WPLK IVV[OZ [V WYVTV[L OLHS[O VMMLY SLNHS HK]PJL HUK WYV]PKL JV\UZLSPUN HUK ÄUHUJPHS HK]PJL ;OL KH`Z HUK L]LUPUNZ ^LYL ÄSSLK ^P[O HJ[P]P[PLZ MVY HK\S[Z HUK JOPSKYLU The launching ceremony kicked off with arrival of YB Dato’ Hamidah Osman (Senior State Exco member for women’s affairs). We were also graced with the presence of Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam (SI National Rep 2008-2010) , Datin Indira Naidu (SIROM President) and sister soroptimists from KL. -VSSV^PUN [OL \Z\HS MVYTHSP[PLZ VM J\[[PUN YPIIVUZ HUK IV\X\L[ NP]PUN [OL PTWVY[HU[ [HZR VM VMÄJPHSS` Z[HTWPUN [OL SVNV MVY LX\HS rights and signing was initiated by Dato’ Hamidah Osman. All other dignitaries followed suit. There was a spirit of togetherness with all ages, all races and people from all walks of life who participated to make this joint event a fun and successful one. Most importantly I think that the women who helped to organize this event got the message across; that all men and women are equal. Women have rights and should be heard and respected and, more importantly, women should be given the opportunity to progress and move forward.

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SI KL

An Environment Project on Water Conservation

SI Kuala Lumpur’s project ‘Save Water, Save The Earth’ (First Phase) took off on 30th July 2008 in Sek. Keb.Tmn Tun Dr Ismail The objectives were :

To launch an awareness campaign on global warming and its impact on water. To advocate individual and collective commitments to save water everyday. To hold a family orientated competition which will further highlight water ‘savings’ through sincere efforts.

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There were two categories which was art creativity only and art creativity plus water bills reduction. SIKL rewarded the best student for her art creativity and for reducing her water bills by 47%.She won a weekend stay for a family of 5 sponsored by Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort and RM200 for her art creativity. The target audience was Primary 5 girls/ boys and the project had a time frame of 6-18mths. The second phase, with the same target audience and time frame, took off on the 2nd of March 2009 in Garden International School Mont Kiara Kuala Lumpur. At this event, SIKL introduced the SI organisation which was followed by the GIS teacher, Mr Adrian Futter‘s well prepared and interesting slide presentation on saving water. All the students were very focused and participated on our Questions and Answers.

Another two winners received a cash award of RM100 each and 6 Platinum Movie Suites were given to the winners’ teachers. The other 2 winners for water bills reduction received vouchers of RM500 sponsored by Harvey Norman. The presentation of awards took place at the Garden International School on the 7/07/09 Tue afternoon and the event was covered by STAR newspaper on the 20/07/09.

With help of the teachers, SIKL handed out 140 ‘water inspectors’ badges to remind the students to be more aware and responsible for water usage. SIKL Project Chairperson Ms Christine Kreplins informed students regarding the water competitions rules and catargories.

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We members of SI Penang did not realise we made history where two clubs from different VWDWHV FDPH WRJHWKHU IRU WKH ðUVW WLPH We members of SI Penang did not realise we made history where two clubs MYVT KPMMLYLU[ Z[H[LZ JHTL [VNL[OLY MVY [OL ÄYZ[ [PTL ^P[O T\JO WSHUUPUN HUK communication through mails and made it possible to conduct English camps for two orphanages in Penang.

a Fun English Camp for two Orphanages

0[ ^HZ H ÄUL TVYUPUN VU [O 1HU\HY` ^OLU LPNO[ TLTILYZ MYVT 23 [VNL[OLY with chief facilitator Rozian and members from SI Penang met up with ten student assistant facilitators from Uplands International School at Seri Cahaya Orphanage at Batu Maung Penang. Rozian briefed the student faciltators and then prepared the 24 kids from the orphanage with colour codes to differentiate their age groups. Each student facilitator was put in charge of a group of kids. Before we started the camp, all were treated to a sumptuous vegetarian lunch by SI Penang members. We got the camp going soon after with a ‘breaking the ice’ game, which made all the kids comfortable and at ease with the facilitators. Most of the children took to the English language with ease and showed much enthusiasm during the many games like scavenger hunt, freeze game, spelling

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games and word plays, that they were asking for more at the end of it. The camp was so exciting for the kids and students and there was immediate bonding. ;OL ÄUHSL VM [OL OHSM KH` JHTW ^HZ H MHZOPVU ZOV^ I` [OL VYWOHU RPKZ HM[LY ^OPJO [OL :0 JS\IZ WYLZLU[LK JLY[PÄJH[LZ VM WHY[PJPWH[PVU [V HSS Z[\KLU[ MHJPSP[H[VYZ Group photos made it all the more memorable for the orphan kids. On the 17th January, we had a similar camp with Shans Orphanage with 20 kids between 8-15 years. The Fun English Camp has been a sustainable project of SI Damansara from 2007 and due to its successful run with many orphanages; the club earned a much deserved Best Practice Award from Soroptimist International in 2008. The main purpose of these camps were not only to foster friendship between clubs, kids and students, but they also PUZ[PSSLK JVUÄKLUJL ^P[O SLHKLYZOPW [YHPUPUN HUK VM JV\YZL [OL usage of English language among the participants. At the end of the day, the evaluation from the students surprised us pleasantly when they felt the camp was an excellent programme, which taught values in life and that life is not fair to all. The SI Damansara members felt this was their best camp among the 8 they have conducted so far. The special weekend ended with lunch for the members of SI Damansara before they departed to KL with renewed friendship between clubs and fond memories to last.

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A talk on sexual health in aid of Kechara Soup Kitchen On 5 September 2009, SIPJ organized a public health talk and high tea at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur On 5 September 2009, SIPJ organized a public health talk and high tea at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur in aid of Kechara Soup Kitchen, an NGO which distributes food to the homeless and urban poor. Prominent celebrity urologist Professor Dr. George Lee provided an entertaining and informative talk, provocatively entitled ‘Men’s Health Unzipped and Women’s Health Undressed’. He addressed the many misconceptions and taboos of health concerns between men and women, and how important sexual function is as indicators for potentially life threatening diseases. While he made this usually sensitive topic light hearted, he skillfully ensured that everyone left more educated.

event, those who did make it were very glad that they did. Everyone left wiser about the state of our health and how important it is to go for regular health screens. They also learned about Kechara Soup Kitchen and its noble cause. Ruby Khong, President of Kechara Soup Kitchen, expressed her gratitude to SIPJ and all those who Z\WWVY[LK [OPZ L]LU[ [V ILULÄ[ THU` ^OV HYL SLZZ fortunate than ourselves. As the event ended, the KSK committee, assisted by Soroptimist sisters, promptly went into action and packed the remaining food from the buffet which was distributed later that night to the homeless and urban poor.

+LZWP[L H O\NL [YHMÄJ QHT HUK WVSPJL YVHKISVJRZ on that day which created many obstacles for the

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The Charter of SI Sentul

SI Sentul

SIROM’s newest and 15th club, SI Sentul, was chartered on 6 December 2009

SIROM’s newest and 15th club, SI Sentul, was chartered on 6 December 2009, under the distinguished patronage of DYMM Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Aishah Rohani binti Al-Marhum Tengku Besar Mahmud. SI Sentul was fortunate to have SISWP President Leigh Ellwood-Brown and PE Yvonne Simpson together with our SI sisters from many other Malaysian clubs to celebrate this auspicious moment with us. With 20 members to start with and under the strong leadership of our Charter President Amuthambigai Tharmarajah, SI Sentul promises to be an active and powerful club to champion the values and ideals of Soroptimism!

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“

“ THE BIG Picture

you belong to an organisation of more than 92,450 members in more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries from 4 Federations

By Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam SI National Rep Malaysia 2008-2010 When SIROM President Datin Indira asked me to write an article for the 1st issue of E-Suara, I felt the need to grab this opportunity to talk about the â€œBig Pictureâ€? of SI.  It has always been my concern that many members may not see and feel the international connection and how SI is unique from any other local women’s NGO, because of its â€œInternationalismâ€?. A Worldwide Organisation Did you know that you belong to an organisation of more than 92,450 members in more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries from 4 Federations, namely SI America (SIA), SI Europe (SIE),  SI .YLH[ )YP[HPU 0YLSHUK :0.)0 HUK :0 :V\[O >LZ[ 7HJPĂ„J :0:>7 & (SZV [OH[ [OL -LKLYH[PVU ^L belong to, with 2,650 members, 138 clubs in 12 countries, is the smallest Federation! Federation and International Conferences Having had the advantage of attending 4 Federation Conference of Clubs, 2 SI World Conferences and an SI Board Meeting in Denmark recently, my perspective on SI has been greatly broadened and deepened.  So looking at the big picture, I would like to encourage our members to attend, if not the World Conference, at least the SISWP Federation Conference VM *S\IZ 0[ ^V\SK KLĂ„UP[LS` JOHUNL `V\Y WLYZWLJ[P]L VU ^O` `V\ ILJHTL H TLTILY VM HU :0 Club.  You would not only meet members from other clubs within the SISWP Federation but alsoÂ

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Contribution to the World Another aspect of the big picture is the contribution from SI to communities around the world.  Besides the wonderful projects every club undertakes in their own community, in their own way, whether it be in education, health, environment, human rights, economic and social development, SI also has its own Quadrennial Projects as well as annual projects of the SI President, known as President’s Appeal, which falls on 10th December, which is Human Rights Day.

SI also has its own Quadrennial Projects as well as annual projects of the SI President, known as President’s Appeal, which falls on 10th December,Â

“

There are 2 big events coming up on the Soroptimist calendar, [OL Ă„YZ[ PZ V\Y V^U :0:>7 -LKLYH[PVU *VUMLYLUJL VM *S\IZ MYVT 16-18 April 2010 at the Gold Coast, Queensland and the other is the World Conference in Montreal, sometime in July 2011.

2008 had the privilege of visiting the original project in a village near Chiang Rai

As examples, the past Quadrennial Projects are: Â

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‹ :VYVW[PTPZ[ 0U[LYUH[PVUHS (PKZ 4LKPH[PVU : 0 ( 4 (1995 – 1999)Â

SI partnered the International Committee of the Red Cross to provide prostheses for land mine victims in Afghanistan, Angola and Georgia. With the help of Soroptimist International, the ICRC supplied 24,500 prostheses to mine victims in Angola, Afghanistan and Georgia between 1999 and 2003. Our aims were to restore human dignity to the victims, help them become mobile again and reintegrate them into society, enable children to return to school and allow women to lead a viable family life once more.  With the vigorous support of members throughout its four Federations, Soroptimist International raised over GBP £1,114,000 to support this project.

This project was carried out in partnership with the Population and Community Development Association of Thailand.  The project was aimed at preventing young women from entering the sex industry and running the risk of HIV.  By the end of the project, Soroptimist International had contributed GBP £568,000 to the project which helped young women from poor minimally educated families to stay in their villages.  Some of us who attended the SISWP Conference in Chiang Rai in JuneÂ

:0 3PTIZ MVY 3PML

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‹ ¸7YVQLJ[ 0UKLWLUKLUJL Âś >VTLU :\Y]P]VYZ VM >HYš (2003–2007)Â

around the world and are achievements which we, as Soroptimists should be very proud of.

This was carried out in partnership with US based Women for Women International to help women survivors of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Rwanda move from social isolation to becoming active citizens in their community. The goals were to help each woman stand on OLY V^U [^V MLL[ SLHYU UL^ ZRPSSZ [V ILJVTL ZLSM Z\MĂ„JPLU[ become independent and ultimately to realize her voice, her worth and her strength.  Soroptimist members tirelessly conducted creative awareness, advocacy and action programs to support and promote it. In the four year period, Soroptimists raised approximately US $2.2 million to support Project Independence.Â

Long Term Project (LTP)

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Project Sierra takes place in Sierra Leone, West Africa with Hope and Homes for Children, UK as its partner.  The current Quadrennial Project, launched at a Convention in July 2007 aims to raise £1 million to help disadvantaged women and JOPSKYLU PU :PLYYH 3LVUL MHJL [OLPY M\[\YLZ ^P[O JVUĂ„KLUJL The project supports women caring for children in extreme poverty and provides a caring secure family home for children who are alone or at risk of abandonment.  The project has currently raised £482,889.00 so far.  SI is currently still seeking funds to ensure the project can meet the target and objectives set.  To know how you and your club can help with this project, check out the website www.projectsierra.org. On a personal note, I was given the fantastic opportunity to join the 2010 Study Tour to Sierra Leone in May to visit the project. An example of SI President’s Appeal is the Appeal by current SI President Hanne Jansbo on â€œHope and Dreams for Everyoneâ€? on December 10th 2009.  The funds were to go to continue a project started by SI Union of Norway to WYL]LU[ O\THU [YHMĂ„JRPUN MYVT 4VSKV]H I` WYV]PKPUN SPML ZRPSS education and sustainable living conditions for vulnerable children.  All the projects mentioned amply demonstrate the impact SI have had on the poorest and most deserving communitiesÂ

SI’s Global Voice through the UN Another worldview aspect of SI is our connection to the UN.  SI has a global voice at the UN through our representatives at the various UN agencies in Rome, Geneva, New York etc.  Our club projects which are reported through our Federation Programme Directors gets to our International Programme Director, who through our various Reps would then report the data on the work and impact of what SI members have achieved around the world.  One very special example of how real and impactful it can be, is our very own Malaysian Club SI club of BangsarÂ

“

Stay Connected with SI With an organisation of such size and magnitude in terms of numbers of clubs, countries and cultures, how do we keep in touch with what’s happening in our organisation? This question brings me to the importance of the communication channels and the challenge of making sure we stay connected and real, whether in cyberspace or grounded. Currently there are SI publications and electronic media like the SISWP Bulletin and SPAN and the SISWP Website and the e-TIS magazine, which stands for â€œThe International Soroptimistâ€? which is now going electronic (E).  In Malaysia we have our E-Suara which is what you are now reading.  It is important that all members do access and read the news from all the communication media available and to participate in events and projects to be able to appreciate and enjoy all the ILULĂ„[Z VM ILPUN H NSVIHS TLTILY VM [OL ^VYSKÂťZ SHYNLZ[ JSHZZPĂ„LK women’s organisation.

appreciate and enjoy all the ILULĂ„[Z VM ILPUN H NSVIHS member of the world’s SHYNLZ[ JSHZZPĂ„LK ^VTLUÂťZ organisation.

“

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The recent SI Board meeting in Denmark discussed the strategic move for a Long Term Project (LTP) to replace the Quadrennial Project.  Clubs will be asked to vote on the subject of choice from the 6 focus themes, namely, Disaster Recovery, ,K\JH[PVU 3LHKLYZOPW ;YHMĂ„JRPUN =PVSLUJL (NHPUZ[ >VTLU and Girls, Water and Sanitation for the LTP to be launched in 2011 at the SI World Conference in Montreal.   This means that clubs will be asked to work on the same theme to create a long lasting and sustainable impact on the communities that SI clubs around the world serve in, and build a strong image of service around this theme.  The difference between the LTP and Quadrennial project is that we will be implementing the projects â€œhands onâ€? in our own local community. Â

winning the SI Best of the Best Practice Award in 2007 for the â€œGoat Rearing Projectâ€? in Janda Baik.  As an award, the project leader, Noraini had the unique opportunity to represent the club at the 51st Commission on the Status of Women held at United Nations in New York and gave a dinner talk hosted by SI members on the subject.

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NEWS FROM

Membership Development Convenor

Sometime last year at one of our SIROM Council meetings, it was proposed that I should try to organize a series of Talks, Workshops or Training to meet with the requests and training needs of our SI members. It was also suggested that the training are held prior to each SIROM COUNCIL meeting. This proposal fared well as it allows outstation Clubs’ members coming for SIROM COUNCIL meetings to attend the training session in the morning. I organized a 3-Hour TALK ON FUND-RAISING by Ann Woo from Nanyang Foundation on 13th June 2009 which was held at the Lake Club. Ms Woo, being a great fund raiser herself imparted her knowledge, shared her experience and explained the Principles of Fundraising to the 28 participants who attended the Talk. The feedback from the participants was encouraging as they found it inspiring and educational. I also organized a talk/workshop session on 27th March 2010 which was held at the Lake Club and covered the following topics: i) AN AWARENESS TALK ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING (1/2 hr) by Jessika Luther –Froiland (Member SI Bangsar) ii) EXTENSION STRATEGIES (1 hr) by Beh Suat Pheng (SIROM Extension Convenor) III) UNDERSTANDING OUR CONSTITUTION (AFTER AMENDMENTS)1 hr) – by Dhamayanti (SIROM Constitution Convenor) More than 31 participants signed up for the workshop. This series of Talks, Workshops and Training will continue to be organized and the topics/substance will be chosen based on immediate training needs and current issues. Happy Learning. DORIS S. BRODIE

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Congratulations Congratulations to Senator Doris S. Brodie Please join us to congratulate our Soroptimist sister for her appointment in March 2010 to the Dewan Negara (House of Senate), which is a recognition by the government of the role played by the party in improving women’s status, especially in the rural areas. +VYPZ ^OV PZ HSZV 79: ]PJL WYLZPKLU[ PZ [OL ÄYZ[ ZLUH[VY MYVT 7HY[P 9HR`H[ :HYH^HR 79: - since its inception six years ago and the second Iban woman to get the appointment after Datuk Seri Empiang Jabu who is Women’s chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB). She said her focus would be on issues concerning education and creating awareness on the need to change the people’s mindset in the rural areas to enable them to be in the mainstream of development. “Education has a wide scope and it is one of the ways to upgrade the socio-economic status of rural women,” said the businesswoman, who runs her own training and motivation centre, Excel Marketing Academy Sdn Bhd. The appointment was a double joy for Doris as she was also conferred the Pegawai Bintang Sarawak (PBS) by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng in Miri on Wednesday, March 10. Appointed as the party women’s chief in 2006, Doris became prominent in the state political scene after her appointment as Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) state deputy women’s chief in 1990, serving the post for four consecutive terms until it was deregistered in 2004. Later she became a PRS supreme council member before helming the women’s bureau. Meanwhile, PRS president Datuk Seri Dr James Masing had said her appointment was an honour for the Dayaks in general besides being a recognition of her contribution to Dayak politics in the rural areas.

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SISWP President 2008-10 turns 60 in Malaysia SUARA

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SIROM Exco 2010-2011: Datin Indira Naidu - President Chairman Joanne Yeoh - President-Elect Helena Cheah - Hon. Treasurer Kim Fong Y. M. - Hon. Secretary Nora Lam - Programme/UN Liaison Doris Brodie - Membership Development Convenor Beh Suat Pheng - Extension Convenor Nicole Tan - Public Relations Convenor Pushpa Mahalingam - Constitution Convenor Sharon Saw - Editor - SUARA

SI Ampang - Theresa De Silva SI Damansara - Dr. Saradha Narayan SI Kuantan - Tay Keng Chee SI KL - Shanti Abishegam SI Shah Alam - Norma Noor SI Miri - Leticia Laiman Ingan SI PJ - Premilla Mohanlal SI Ipoh – Jeya Jeyaratnam SI Penang – Dr. Shuba Mohini SI Bangsar – Chai Kee Sehu SI JB – Mary Fernandez SI Sentul – Amuthambigai Tharmarajah

SI Serembam - Datin Kuldip Kaur Gill SI Teruntum - Shirley Lee

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