Since 1921 women, who are Soroptimists have voluntered in their communities, bringing about social change and improving the lives of women and girls, This work has involved advocating at local, national and international arenas, never giving up the challenge, raising their voices and working as one voice for women and girls everywhere. These women have many stories to tell, the challenges, the wins, the fun, the never ending moving of the goal posts to achieve their goal of gender equality and basic human rights for all. The Soroptimist Reflections series will provide a platform for soroptimists voices, over this series you will hear many stories, learn about our bright past, as we move to a brilliant future where our voices and stories will continue to shine bright as we accomplish what we set out to do 100 years ago.
Our first Reflections story come from Margaret Lobo. Margaret joied Soroptimist International of Perth in 1975, whilst we were still part of the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland. Margaret saw much change as we formed our own Federation and began to govern ourselves. Margaret has held many leadership roles in her club and region, taking on executive leadership roles, whcih included Club reporter for Programme; Health reporter for Region and Programme Liaison; Federation Coordinator for Human Rights and Status of Women, Programme Liaison for Federation and at the International elvel was Co-ordinator for the Human Rights and Status of Women programme area. Having had the experience at Federation and Soroptimist International level, Margaret stood for and was elected Federation President of the South West Pacific for the biennium 1998 - 2000, and then became the International President for the biennium 2008 - 2010.
