As another year comes to a close, we instinctively think back at our year to assess whether it’s been good, bad or indifferent. We are also prompted to evaluate our accomplishments by the media outlets’ “year-end reviews” and all the social media applications who create slideshows of the moments we were lucky enough to capture.  As I look back at my year, my heart is filled with joy at the many wonderful things and experiences I was blessed with. In my professional life, I have had many opportunities to grow and do what I love with the support of my team. In my personal life, my best friends have welcomed husbands, babies and new academic accomplishments of which I am so proud. My family has celebrated birthdays and anniversaries and watching my niece successfully transition from primary to secondary school. I also took up the presidency of this remarkable group of women who continue to make the time to give of themselves and their resources to meet the mandate of Soroptimism; a mandate that continues to unite us.  But of all the wonderful things that have happened, the thing that brings me most joy is how the different aspects of my life all intersected to allow me to live my passion.

This year my family, friends and colleagues joined with my Soroptimist sisters to ensure that all of our efforts were successful. I count myself lucky; no, not lucky, but blessed. Blessed indeed that my colleagues and friends decided to donate their time as professionals to facilitate sessions for our projects. Blessed that my family and friends participated in our challenges and social media campaigns. Blessed that through networking, I had the opportunity to meet remarkable, like-minded women and men outside of my usual sphere who share my passion to serve others. Blessed that I was emboldened to step out of my comfort zone and publicly start tackling issues that are near and dear to my heart. Blessed that my Soroptimist sisters can boast of the same accomplishments.

This year, we count ourselves blessed because we created magic when we launched every project and initiative. When faced with huge issues and tasks, we chose little steps over no steps at all because every little step counts toward a big outcome. When faced with questions about the scope and impact, we chose to celebrate the numbers still because one life positively impacted, still spells success. When faced with fatigue and uncertainty, we chose to support and hold each other up because we believe in the work to be done and in each other. This year we gained so much because we chose to walk in passion and purpose.

As the curtains fall on 2022, we at Soroptimist International Anaparima would like to encourage every woman, man and child to get up and start changing the world one little step at a time. Think of January 1^st 2023 as a blank canvas waiting to be painted or the start of 365 new opportunities to create something beautiful. Start raising awareness for the causes that matter to you within your own home, school or work circles. Start modeling the new behaviors that are necessary to effect change; practicing what you preach will inspire others to do the same and show them how to do it. Lets work together to build a future where we can all thrive and live equal, full lives.

Compliments of the Season from all of us at SI Anaparima. Thank you for sticking with us throughout the year.

Written by: Ahhalia Ramdass

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign which begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. It is an opportunity to place focus on the global challenge that is violence against women and girls, which continues to be the most pervasive human rights violation around the world.

Unfortunately, although this was started in 1991 – which may sound recent to some of us but is actually over thirty years ago! – we are still not in a position where this push for women’s rights is no longer needed. In 2021, around 45,000 women and girls around the world were killed by family members, of which 65% were perpetrated by current and former intimate partners (UN Women). And around the world really does mean around the world, with the highest numbers being recorded in Asia, followed by Africa, the Americas, Europe and Oceana.

How does your region compare? Even the lowest region had 300 victims of femicide in 2021. That’s 300 too many women whose lives were preventatively and prematurely ended. More than ever, we need to “UNiTE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls” – the aptly titled theme for 2022.

So come November, and every November, you will see us paint our social media platforms in the colour orange as we join with thousands of others to raise awareness on this important topic. You will hear us speak out about what our projects already seek to do in advancing the human rights and status of women. You will see us look back on past project work, re-sharing relevant information on what was done before, and continuously look forward to upcoming need. And in our respective Soroptimist spheres, we will be having the difficult conversations and promoting discussions with men and women, boys and girls, on how we can drive the societal and policy changes needed to protect ourselves and our sisters.

Written by Candace Maharaj

Change is the only constant. Globally, there is an evolving change paradigm regarding education availability for women and girls. We  still however have very far to go. In Trinidad & Tobago we are very fortunate to enjoy education as a fundamental right for all.  One of the biggest challenges however for many families is low income. This was further exacerbated due to Covid-19, many girls were forced to exit school at a very young age. There is the ever-present lack of basic supplies  needed for a proper education.  

While to many this is not a reality, many young girls today are unable to enjoy their right for a proper education due to lack of resources. Parents are unable to purchase schoolbooks and uniforms.  Inherently, these girls leave school  as young as thirteen and that cycle that society is trying to break of girls getting married as teenagers is unfortunately not broken.  

I came from a low-income household, and I saw how challenging it was for my parents to fill our booklists. My July /August vacation family outing was usually the day my dad went to the bank to take that annual loan for purchasing books and school supplies. It was my father’s mission; he believed that the best asset that he could have given me was an education. I wish this for each and every girl. Fortunately, having a permanent job, even though it was low income, enabled my dad to secure loans for school supplies. Many  households nowadays do not have fixed sources of income.  

I am a member Soroptimist International Anaparima (SI Anaparima), and it is part of our mission to help create avenues to ensure every girl has the required resources to have a proper education. We are aware that many families must make the choice of purchasing basic food items or school supplies.  Moreover, we know that education is imperative and empowers women and girls to not only support themselves but also aids in eradicating violence against women. Many of our projects are centered around education and empowering young women and girls. 

To support all our projects SI Anaparima seeks sponsorship from local organizations as well as hosts fundraisers. One of the most recent was our SIAN In Wonderland Tea Party. I am so elated and happy to be a member of a club of women who gives selflessly in an effort to support women and girls in our communities. Not only do our club sisters work tirelessly but the families and friends of my club sisters aid to assist SI Anaparima  in achieving our mission in  making  a difference in the lives of women and girls.  

I implore each and every one let us be the change agents to enable every girl to enjoy their right for an education. As a nation, as a club, as an individual, we need to be vigilant we need to expand our reach … we can make this change … we can  break the cycle … it is imperative that all girls and women are equipped with the tools and resources for a proper education. 

Written by Anisa Roopchand-Joseph