July 9^th, Thursday

All day: Registration of Participants

Opening Ceremony and Music

• Welcome by the Convention Chair Emine Erdem and by the President of the Turkish Union İlke Erol
• Flag Ceremony
• Roll Call of Soroptimist International Countries and Territories
• Welcome by the Federation President of Europe Ulla Madsen
• Special address by Past SI and SIE Past President Marie-Jeanne Bosia
• Opening Speech by SI International President Ann Garvie
• Opening Speeches by the Turkish Official Authorities
• Performance and Music

July 10^th, Friday

Morning

Keynote Speakers:

• Elif Shafak, International Bestselling Author
• Michael Kaufman, Educator, Writer and Social Animator - "In Our Lifetime! How We Are Engaging Men to Achieve GenderEquality"

Opening Plenary Session (Global) – Convention Centre Upper Hall (1)

Educate to Lead: Far we've come, far we need to go

Since the first Soroptimist International Convention in London in 1930, Soroptimists have gone through the Second World War, the Cold War, decolonization, and many other national and international upheavals. And yet their determination remained unshaken and their projects continued, often under difficult circumstances. Since then, the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and many reputable institutions and bilateral organizations have recognized the added value of our organization to improving the lives and conditions of millions of women and girls. Educate to Lead as its programme umbrella, has been one of the greatest fights supported by all Soroptimists around the globe: Education as a right to all, Education as the enabler to women's empowerment, Education as the weapon to escape poverty, or as a second chance.

What has all the chaos of the 20th century taught women about resilience? How can we use the collective energy and strength of women to continue the fight for women's rights and for a better quality of life for women around the world? How should Soroptimists further develop the 'Educate to Lead' concept to inspire momentum and engage new generations?

Special Address (Video):

• Güler Sabancı, Chairperson, Sabancı Holding

Speakers and Panel Discussion:

• Ursula Wynhoven, General Counsel, UN Global Compact, USA
• Theresa W. Devasahayam, Consultant for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Researcher and Author on Gender issues in Asia, Singapore
• Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation Sinopec Addax Petroleum
• Michael Kaufman, Educator, Writer and Social Animator; Co-Founder, the White Ribbon Campaign and Senior Fellow, Instituto Promundo

Moderator:

• Alice Wells, President 2011-2013, Soroptimist International

Afternoon (Sessions in parallel)

Education – interactive session (SI Global) – Şadırvan - A

The power of a second chance

More children are going to school today than ever in human history, in both absolute and relative terms. During the course of the last century, unprecedented progress has been made in girls' education. But despite all the advancements, girls are still more likely than boys to drop out – or be taken out – of school. This leads to a whole cascade of consequences for their independence and chances of living a happy and fulfilled life. The good news is, for many, there is a second chance. Women who have not been able to complete their education due to economic constraints, violence in the family, forced migration, and many other reasons, can reclaim their independence through different types of continuing education programs.

Is it ever really too late to learn to read, to learn a foreign language, to go to school? What does the vast experience of Soroptimists around the world teach us about the empowerment of women who have not had access to formal education in their youth?

Speakers:

• Poco Davis, Drug and Alcohol Counsellor; Founder of The Family Homeless Shelter, USA, President, Soroptimist International of the Americas, USA
• Daphne Pillai, Co-Founder, Pillai Group of Institutions and Chairperson, Mahatma Education Society, India
• Kate Brady Kean, Psychologist and Senior lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology, New Zealand
• Gonca Telli Yamamoto, Founder, The Distance Education Center, Okan University, Turkey

Moderator::

• Anita de Groot, Founder and CEO, AIM Consulting Group, Netherlands

Cross cutting themes – interactive Session – (SI Global + SI Turkey) – Şadırvan B

Women and Islam

It is no secret and no exaggeration to say that the vocabulary related to the religion of Islam has been increasingly misused since 9/11. This session aims at correcting the misconceptions and misperceptions of women in Muslim societies, their values, cultural diversity, and identities. It recognizes the many roles and influences women have in their communities.

Are there challenges to being a Muslim woman today? As the public discourse becomes increasingly polarized between the "western world" and the "Muslim world" what can all of us do to help reframe the debate?

Speakers:

• Talat Pasha ,Founder "Connect" Woman and Child Welfare Organization, Pakistan
• Stacey Al Ghawas, Business Entrepreneur, Kuwait
• Cemalnur Sargut, Researcher and Bestselling Author on Islamic Philosophy, Turkey
• Bintou Koïta, Programme and Advocacy Officer, Soroptimist International of Europe, France and Mali

Women's empowerment – interactive session (SI Turkey) – Ball Room 1

Responsible leadership in times of crisis

In an era of rapid change and complex international crises, political and business leaders need to be able to make bold decisions quickly. Yet they often struggle to take actions that are needed to tackle the economic and social issues that lead to sustainable development. Women are often under-represented in decision-making processes or completely excluded from them. But what kind of a world would we be living in if they weren't?

Do men and women make the same types of decisions in crises and under pressure? What does modern psychology tell us about behaviour of men and women under stress? What kind of an impact does this have on the world we are living in today? What are the challenges around involving more women into decision-making process?

Speakers:

• Selin Sayek Böke, Associate Professor of Economics, Department Chair, Bilkent University, Turkey
• Rengin Akıllıoğlu, GE Aviation Director of the Middle East, Turkey
• Demet Özdemir, Country Leader, Ernst & Young, Turkey; nominated Entrepreneur of the Year
• Arzu Özyol, Vice President, International Federation of Business and Professional Women, Turkey

Moderator:

• Melsa Ararat, Director of Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum, Turkey

Advocacy – Workshop (SI Global) – Ball Room 2

Making your voice heard at the local, national and international levels!

This workshop aims to provide participants with concrete tools and tips for becoming effective advocates for women's rights at the local, national and international levels. The session will be the opportunity to share the vast lobbying experience Soroptimists across our four Federations have accumulated in getting governments to repeal, introduce or implement laws; in raising awareness about issues such as trafficking, violence, maternal health, or reproductive rights, which affect women the world over; and in putting pressure on international institutions to prioritize the protection and empowerment of women. Emphasis will be placed on practicality and concrete actions Soroptimists can take individually and collectively to lobby local, national, and international authorities while still respecting legal limitations such as in the US and few other countries.

What are some of the most successful lobbying initiatives Soroptimists have undertaken to date and what is it that made them work? What are concrete ways in which Soroptimists can lobby their local or national government to bring about change? How can Soroptimists lobby international institutions and why might they want to do so? Is there any connection between lobbying a local/national government and an international institution?

• Hilary Ratcliffe, International Programme Director, Soroptimist International, UK
• Elena Savu, Vice President, Soroptimist International of Europe, Romania

Programme – Workshop (SI Global) – Ball Room 3

Projects: From design to delivery

The success of a project depends on several factors. Good will is necessary, good planning is indispensable. Designing and implementing a project is never easy – projects vary vastly, as do circumstances. The good news is: there is no need to reinvent the wheel every time we start a new project! With so much accumulated experience and knowledge among our members, who have implemented projects under so many different constraints and circumstances, the best we can do is simply share with each other.

What are the different stages of a project? How do we execute every stage of a project successfully – from identifying the need to monitoring results? What do the most successful Soroptimist projects from around the world tell us about what makes an impactful and sustainable project? How can we turn every project into a "gift that keeps on giving"?

• Sue Biggs, Programme Director, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland
• Emine Erdem, SIE Assistant Programme Director 2013-2015; Chair, SI Convention 2015, Turkey
• Jennifer Luz-Olson, SI Vista, CA, Soroptimist International of the Americas
• Sarah McCormack, President Elect, Soroptimist International of Republic of Ireland

Facilitator:

• Lori Blair, Senior Programme Director, Soroptimist International of the Americas

Programme – Workshop (SI Turkey) – Vista Room

The Divine Feminine

We are inviting you to the extraordinary but real story of the divine feminine energy, that conquered once the land of ancient Anatolia.

Women of the modern world... Let us adapt the tools of the Goddess, in our relationships.

This is the story of success, in the professional and social lives of women, by rediscovering the power of their sexual energy that is transmuted into life force, creativity, abundance, success and wisdom. The ancient wisdom of using the power of the divine feminine, once used by the pagan societies of Catal Huyuk and the Ancient Anatolia, is being rediscovered.

To empower the women of Mother Earth once again, in the 21st century.

• Seda Diker, Clinical Hypnotist, Guided Meditation Expert, Member of American National Guild of Hypnotists, Writer, Turkey

Afternoon (Plenary session)

Plenary session – Advocacy (Global) – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Advocating for gender equality: From vision to action

In addition to being the deadline for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), 2015 is also the 20th anniversary of the 1995 Beijing 4th UN World Conference on Women and the elaboration of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA). Beyond a review of the progress in the twelve priority areas for women's empowerment, this session proposes a reflection on what needs to be done to implement the vision and principles set by international institutions, at both the international and the regional levels.

What place do women's issues have at the United Nations today compared to 20 years ago, or even earlier? What are the main current and emerging issues related to women that international institutions at the European level and the global level are prioritising? Is NGO participation in multilateral inter-governmental processes really meaningful, can it really have an impact for women back home? How can NGOs make sure to contribute effectively? What are the main obstacles when moving from vision to action?

Introduction by Ann Garvie, International President 2013-2015, Soroptimist International

Speakers

• Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Regional Director Europe and Central Asia, UN Women, and Former Foreign Minister, Iceland
• Liri Kopaci-Di Michele, Head, Equality Division, Council of Europe
• Yakın Ertürk, Human Rights Expert; Member of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) at the Council of Europe and Former Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, OHCHR, The United Nations, Turkey

Moderator:

• Anusha Santhirasthipam, Soroptimist International South West Pacific, Malaysia

SIE Peace Prize Award Ceremony

The Soroptimist International of Europe Peace Prize conferred every two years, honours people or organizations deserving special recognition for their remarkable achievements to promote peace. The winner of the Soroptimist International of Europe Peace prize 2015 will be announced at the closing of the plenary session and receive her prize.

Previous recipients of the award are, Silvana Arbia, Former Chief of Prosecution at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) and former Registrar at the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC); Silvia Borren, former Executive director of Oxfam, Carla del Ponte, former Chief Prosecutor of the UN International Criminal Court; Vera Bohle, consultant at the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining, and Valdete Idrizi, peace activist from Kosovo.

Presented by

• Maria Elisabetta De Franciscis, President Elect 2013-2015, Soroptimist International of Europe

July 11^th, Saturday

Morning

Plenary Session – A special focus on Turkey (SI Turkey) – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Women's Status in Turkey

Many successful women have proved to be highly successful across Turkey and actively contribute to their societies and economies, promoting Turkey's image abroad as well. Some of the most reputable professionals of Istanbul will share their experiences and perspectives on women's capacity for social leadership in the background of women's current status in Turkey in different sectors.

Given Turkey's background as a swiftly modernized country with a mix of age-old cultural traditions, what are the challenges waiting for Turkish women in the 21st century? What modes of empowerment are available for their advancement in social life? What have been the particular plights of women in the recent past, which have blocked their self-realization in terms of social expression?

Panellists:

• Ayşegül İldeniz, Global Vice President, Intel New Technologies, Turkey
• Hasan Süel, President of Vodafone Foundation, Turkey
• Cansen Başaran-Symes, President of Turkish Industry and Business Association, Turkey
• Gülay Barbarosoğlu, Rector, Boğaziçi University, Turkey

Moderator:

• Nakiye Boyacıgiller, Professor of Management, Sabancı University, Turkey

Violence Against Women – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Keynote Address:

• Rashida Manjoo, Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its causes and consequences, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations

Plenary Session - Violence Against Women – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Defeating Violence!

All women around the world, whether they are girls, teenagers, adults, or the elderly, have the potential to experience violence. Violence against women and girls varies in type, in intensity and in consequence. It is shaped by social, political, economic and legal factors in many complex ways. But it is always rooted in the unequal power relations between men and women.

What do we know about the causes of violence against women in the world today – and what do we not know? Do the failures in preventing violence against women stem from inadequacies in laws themselves? Or in their poor implementation? What is the role of the response chain and how can it be strengthened? How can international organizations, governments, and civil society work together to understand violence against women better? What can we all do to prevent violence against women more effectively?

Special Address:

• Anne K. Ream, Founder, The Voices and Faces Project and writer, USA

Speakers and Panel Discussion:

• Silvana Arbia, Judge; Former Registrar, International Criminal Court, and former Chief Prosecutor, UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Italy
• Alice Nkom, Lawyer and Founder, the Association for the Defence of Homosexuals, Cameroon; and recipient of the Amnesty International 2014 Award
• Rashida Manjoo, Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, its causes and consequences, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations
• Anne K. Ream, Founder, The Voices and Faces Project and writer, USA

Moderator:

• Anne Simon, Executive Director, Soroptimist International of Europe, Switzerland

Note: In addition to the hundreds of projects that Soroptimists develop, since decades, to help victims of violence around the world, Soroptimist International is launching a project entitled Defeating Violence! that aims to gain deeper understanding of violence against women and girls and address prevention. With the guidance of several experts from the United Nations and other international institutions, our organisation will conduct a qualitative study in 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The main purpose of the project it to bridge the gap between theory and practice in preventing violence against women and girls.

Afternoon (first set of Sessions in parallel)

Violence Against Women (Global) – Şadırvan A

Slavery in the 21st century: The realities of human trafficking

Trafficking in human beings is a critical problem and a form of modern day slavery. While trafficking affects millions of people, women and men, boys and girls; women and girls suffer disproportionately from trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation. While several countries have put policies and programs into place to combat it, responses are still lagging behind in terms of the identification of victims, their protection during and after raids, their access to effective justice, rehabilitation and effective remedy. Soroptimists, from source, transit, and destination countries alike, raise awareness about trafficking and collaborate with shelters and governmental institutions to support victims.

What are the realities victims face? How can we help to improve the recognition of their rights? What can we do to help prevent trafficking? What are some best practices and emerging ideas in this area?

Speakers:

• Asefach Haileselassie, Migration Expert, Ethiopia
• Nazan Moroğlu, Lecturer on Women's Rights at Yeditepe University, Turkey
• Margaret Jarman, Director and Chair of Trustees of Cambodia Child's Dream, UK
• Sharon Fisher, Expert, Criminology and Forensic technologies, Canada; and Programme Director, Soroptimist International of the Americas

Moderator:

• Lénia Lopes, Lawyer, Legal advisor to Embassies and Special advisor to the Ministry of Justice, Portugal

Education – interactive session (SI Global + SI Turkey) – Şadırvan B

Education: A right not a privilege (lifelong education)

Education is not a privilege – it's a fundamental human right. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights spells this truth in unequivocal terms: "Everyone has the right to education." As such, education belongs equally to boys and girls, to women and men. The importance of the right to education lies not only in its inherent value but in the fact that, without it, all other human rights are at risk: education "enhances all other human rights when guaranteed and forecloses the enjoyment of most, if not all, when denied". Around the world, Soroptimists have been working on promoting access to formal and informal education since the start of the Soroptimist movement. They have advocated for equal access to education and implemented countless programmes to support the education of children and adults alike.

And how can we ensure that women, at all stages of their life, enjoy their right to education? What are the obligations of governments and what can NGOs do to hold them to their obligations? How can we ensure that the right to education is truly granted to all? What does it mean that education must be available, accessible, acceptable, and adaptable?

Speakers:

• Chinwe Ezenwa-Mbah, Principal Counsel, Justitia Attorneys, Nigeria
• Yoko Ichigatani, President, Health Care International Inc. and Human Rights Commissioner, Ministry of Justice, Japan
• Theresa W. Devasahayam, Consultant for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Researcher and Author on Gender issues in Asia, Singapore
• İbrahim Betil, Founder, Community Volunteers Foundation, Turkey
• Jan Hemlin, Assistant Programme Director, Violence and Conflict Resolution, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland

Moderator:

• Carolyn Hudson, President, Soroptimist International of South West Pacific, New Zealand

Women's Economic Empowerment – interactive session (SI Global) – Ball Room 1

The endless labyrinth to capital

Capital, indispensable as it is to achieving economic independence and escaping the poverty trap, is, and always has been, inaccessible to the poor. To this day, women living in poverty – and oftentimes those living in prosperity – struggle to gain access to capital. Because of traditional laws and practices, they often find the doors to the traditional banking system closed to them. While this discriminatory situation continues, the past 30 years have seen many new opportunities arise: micro-credit is today offered through 10,000 institutions in 85 countries serving about 130 million people around the world. It often gives priority to lending to women.

What does that mean for women striving for economic independence? How does this actually work? What kind of financial support is available for poor women today? Is this a problem confined to developing countries? Is the educational system providing the adequate skills ie. on budgeting?

Speakers:

• Annabeth Studer, Initiator of the Swiss Union Micro-Credit Project, Switzerland
• Ulla Madsen, Member of Senior Management, Handelsbank, Denmark, and President Soroptimist International of Europe
• Selin Öz, SME Banking Marketing Manager, Garanti Bank, Turkey
• Rayner Rees, Director, Economic Empowerment, Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland

Moderator:

• Elizabeth Lucas, Executive Director & CEO, Soroptimist International of the Americas

Advocacy – Workshop (SI Global) – Ball Room 2

Making your voice heard at the local, national and international levels!

This workshop aims to provide participants with concrete tools and tips for becoming effective advocates for women's rights at the local, national and international levels. The session will be the opportunity to share the vast lobbying experience Soroptimists across our four Federations have accumulated in getting governments to repeal, introduce or implement laws; in raising awareness about issues such as trafficking, violence, maternal health, or reproductive rights, which affect women the world over; and in putting pressure on international institutions to prioritize the protection and empowerment of women. Emphasis will be placed on practicality and concrete actions Soroptimists can take individually and collectively to lobby local, national, and international authorities while still respecting legal limitations such as in the US and few other countries.

What are some of the most successful lobbying initiatives Soroptimists have undertaken to date and what is it that made them work? What are concrete ways in which Soroptimists can lobby their local or national government to bring about change? How can Soroptimists lobby international institutions and why might they want to do so? Is there any connection between lobbying a local/national government and an international institution?

• Hilary Ratcliffe, International Programme Director, Soroptimist International, UK
• Elena Savu, Vice President Advocacy, Soroptimist International of Europe, Romania

Programme – Workshop (SI Global) – Ball Room 3

Media – Communications

Besides being an important way of promoting our organization and attracting new members, a thoughtful use of media and communications can also help Soroptimists become more effective advocates for women in their communities. Increasingly, the use of media and especially social media are becoming indispensable in running awareness-raising campaigns. (session in development)

How can we use media and social media to promote the work of our members and to make Soroptimist a strong and recognizable brand? What are some effective ways in which Soroptimists can use all the different media available to them today to promote their work and to advocate on behalf of women in their communities? Can there be a thriving Soroptimist International without an effective, modern, and far reaching media and communications strategy?

• Sarah Wilkin, Communications Manager, Soroptimist International Headquarters, UK
• Beril Atakul, SI Convention Local Committee Communication Officer, Turkey

Film and Discussion – Workshop

"A Cup of Turkish Coffee"

An old woman and her granddaughter sit around a table and go through old family photographs. Although this old woman, at first, tries to resist looking at these pictures, she cannot resist what the past evokes. During the time of drinking one cup of Turkish coffee we witness the story of a little girl who hung on to life and captured happiness although she was forced to get married at a young age. These old family photographs are transformed by the old woman's feelings of the past while her granddaughter and a cup of Turkish coffee tie her to now.

• Nazlı Eda Noyan, Director, Turkey

Afternoon (second set of Sessions in parallel)

Advocacy – interactive session (SI Global) – Şadırvan A

Poverty and Prosperity: Do women have the right rights?

Small amendments and changes to national and international laws and policies can have a huge positive – or negative – impact on the lives of women and girls. They can affect their autonomy and quality of life in dramatic ways. In their own countries, Soroptimists have a two-fold role in this regard: to advocate for laws which empower women and promote gender equality, and to raise awareness about these laws and to demand their implementation once they have been passed. In addition, Soroptimists have the responsibility to inform international bodies about rights violations or the sheer absence of women's rights in their countries.

What are some new approaches Soroptimists could use to contribute to closing the gaps in women's rights? How have Soroptimists helped change laws for the better? What have they done to educate women about their rights? What kinds of awareness raising can Soroptimists do? What can NGOs do to be better heard?

Speakers / Panellists:

• Yakın Ertürk, Human Rights Expert; Member of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) at The Council of Europe, and former Special Rapporteur for the United Nations on VAW, Turkey
• Alice Odingo, Member of the Board, The Association for Women's rights in Development (AWID); Lecturer University of Nairobi, Kenya
• Flavia Pozzolini, Lawyer, The Protected Court Rooms project, Italy
• Pat Black, Consultant and Trainer in Management and Governance, UK
• Saskia Ditisheim, President, Avocats Sans Frontières, and substitute Judge at the Juvenile Court of Geneva, Switzerland

Moderator:

• Cheri Fleming, Immediate Past President, Soroptimist International of the Americas

Women's Economic Empowerment - Interactive session – (Global) – Şadırvan B

Innovative strategies for empowering women

In recent years, sets of binding human rights, labour, and anti-corruption standards for businesses have been developed by international institutions and governments alike. In addition to this, many companies, particularly transnationals, are furthering their philanthropic activities through voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Many of them address the gender dimension as well. The UN Global Compact, with its Women's Empowerment Principles, is supporting the integration of women's empowerment and women's leadership into CSR programs.

How wide is the gap between theory and practice? What does it take to move from principles to the realities of the business world? Do businesses really believe in CSR in general and women's empowerment in particular? What makes businesses comply with such voluntary standards? What are the benefits for businesses and for society?

Speakers:

• Marie-Gabrielle Cajoly, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation Sinopec Addax Petroleum, France
• Katrien Wayenberg, Chief Empowerment Officer, Natural Language Solutions, Germany
• Semahat Demir, Rector, Kültür University, Turkey

Moderator:

• Jenny Vince, President, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, UK

Women's Economic Empowerment – Success Stories/Film – Ball Room 1

Women in Turkey: Success stories

The Convention's host country will present successful examples of women leaders and entrepreneurs in Turkey, highlighting certain fields and conducts of business, which empower women with a focus on economy. The session will present a set of workable ideas and concrete models for the successful economic advancement of women.

Can entrepreneurship be described as an integral element of human nature? If so, how can women's entrepreneurship be conceptualized in juxtaposition with the particular challenges that confront women in business life? What can the Turkish context as a thriving economy teach us about overcoming these obstacles for women's participation to economic life as pioneers?

Film projection and Debate:

• Halide Aydınlık, Managing Director, DuPont Turkey
• Sanem Oktar Öğüt, Managing Partner, directComm, Turkey
• Hafize Gaye Erkan, Head of IBD FIG Strategies, Goldman Sachs, Turkey
• Pelin Akın, Board Member, Akfen Holding

Moderator:

• Yeşim Seviğ, General Secretary, Women Entrepreneurs Association, Turkey

Cross cutting theme - Interactive Session (SI Turkey) Ball Room 2

Social entrepreneurs: When business meets social needs

Some say that social entrepreneurs share the characteristics of both Richard Branson, the billionaire CEO of Virgin, and Mother Teresa! More concretely, social entrepreneurs can be seen as drivers of social innovation and transformation. They have a pragmatic vision of businesses that focuses on the creation of social and/or ecological value.

What can we, as grassroots actors, learn from this innovative way of doing business? How can we encourage such an approach through our own projects? What are some examples of exceptional social entrepreneurship initiatives that benefit women and girls?

Speakers:

• Bedriye Hülya, Entrepreneur of the Year (2013) by Schwab Foundation, Turkey
• Serra Titiz, Ashoka Fellow Social Entrepreneur; Founder of Mikado Consulting Turkey
• Didem Altop, Founder and Managing Director of Ashoka Turkey

Moderator:

• Engin Deniz Eriş, Associate Professor of Management and Strategy, Dokuz Eylül University, Turkey

Sustainable Development – Workshop (SI Global) – Ball Room 3

Save the Planet: What can Soroptimists realistically do?

Does the phrase "solar power" refer only to electricity, or does it have a deeper meaning? Solar power is not only about renewable electricity and the accessibility it brings with it: it is about the empowerment of women. In this session we will learn how the far-reaching President's Appeal 2013-2015, See Solar, Cook Solar, has helped women, girls and boys from Fiji to Western Uganda and Mali. Providing solar installations to schools and to vulnerable communities will impact directly on the opportunities for education and income generation. Also, as the demographic growth accelerates, water has become one of most important natural resources of the planet. We will discuss how Soroptimists have, by themselves or in partnership with organizations such as Women for Water Partnership, managed to address such scarce resources and, locally, made a real impact supporting women in their communities.

• Mariet Verhoef Cohen, President, Women for Water Partnership (WfWP), The Netherlands
• Dianne Lockwood, Federation Programme Director, Soroptimist International, South West Pacific
• Rose Makunzo Mwangi, The World Bank, Kenya

Programme – Workshop (SI Turkey) – Vista Room

Dancing With Paradox

The Anatolian Art of "Tekerleme". Tekerlemes are a traditional oral art of this historical land. In this workshop we will look at tekerlemes as tools to free our limited understanding of what is and what is not possible. In this creative workshop you will find yourself pencil in hand, writing tekerlemes to challenge your mind into dreaming bigger.

• Judith Malika Liberman, Storyteller, Writer, Art Therapist and Trainer

July 12^th, Sunday

Morning

Special Programme – Convention Centre Upper Hall Public Speaking Lectures and Awards

"Fresh Ideas, Empowering Women" - this theme will be demonstrated by five young women and girls of today who aim at becoming leaders of tomorrow. Their speeches were given at local public speaking competitions. The term 'public speaking' covers many activities, it is an essential part of the jobs of teachers, politicians, broadcasters, lecturers, salespersons, religious figures, etc.; it is executed by community leaders and campaigners. Everyone, at some point in its life, has or will have to give a speech in public, whether at a public ceremony, special family or community occasion or in a class, business, presentation or job interview. The three core aims of public speaking: "To Inform; To Convince and To Persuade".

• Flora Garner, England
• Ciara Maguire, Republic of Ireland
• Tan Yan Ru, Singapore
• Rose Lakoro Pitoi, Papua New Guinea
• Alana Hughes, Northern Ireland

Introduction:

• Maureen Maguire, Chair, SI Governance Committee, Northern Ireland

Afternoon

Closing Plenary (SI Global) – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Listening to the voices of the future!

The 20^th Soroptimist International Convention is certainly an occasion to look back at the challenges Soroptimists have faced since our movement started. We can take this moment to reflect on how women's rights and women's standing in societies the world over have evolved during this time. As we do so, we also celebrate the magnificent work generations of Soroptimists have contributed to improving the lives of women and girls in their communities and beyond. With the world changing as fast as it is today, we can no longer continue this journey on our own. We must listen to younger generations to understand what they see as priorities for the future. Without the active engagement of young women in our organization, we can no longer expect to understand this rapidly changing world, with all its paradoxes and its contradictions. It is their turn to teach us. In this closing session, we listen also to the voices of the future.

What do young women in the world today see as priorities for a stable, participative, peaceful, and tolerant global society of the future? What do they worry about, what do they find to be sources of hope? What would they expect from a movement such as ours, which brings together successful, service-oriented, educated, and largely privileged women from around the world?

• Victoria Pritchard, President Soroptimist International of Chester, SIGBI
• Sareh Ameri, President Soroptimist International of Dubai, SIE
• Kate Brady Kean, President Elect, Soroptimist International Auckland, South West Pacific
• Lee Ann Cochran, Soroptimist International of Columbus Franklin County (SIA), USA

Moderator:

• Yvonne Simpson, President Elect 2015-2017, Soroptimist International

Quadrennial Review: Speeches by Federations' Presidents – Convention Centre Upper Hall

Closing Ceremony (SI Global) - Convention Centre Upper Hall

Global Best Practices Celebrations

On the occasion of the 20th Soroptimist International Convention, Federations have been invited to present their most successful projects under the theme Educate to Lead. The Presidents of the Federations shall present their project related to all types of education – formal education, vocational education, lifelong education, mentoring etc.

• Cheri Fleming, Immediate Past President, Soroptimist International of the Americas
• Ulla Madsen, President, and Kathy Kaaf, Past President, Soroptimist International of Europe
• Jenny Vince, President, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland & Johanna Raffan, the Kori Project
• Carolyn Hudson, President, Soroptimist International, South West Pacific

Presented by:

• Ann Garvie, SI International President 2013-2015, UK

• Presentation of SI Convention 2019
• Closing Ceremony and Change of Insignia
• Address by SI International President Ann Garvie
• Installation of Incoming President Elect, Soroptimist International Yvonne Simpson
• Presidential address and appeal
• Handover of Flag
• Final Declaration by SI International President Ann Garvie

The Presidents of the Quadrennial: Soroptimist International: Ann Garvie, SIGBI (2013-2015) Alice Wells, SIA (2011-2013)
SIA Federation: Margaret Poco Davis (2014-2015) Cheri Fleming (2013-2014) Raquel Arreola Ruiz (2012-2013) Patricia Donohue (2011-2012)	SIGBI Federation: Jenny Vince (2014-2015) Margaret Oldroyd (2013-2014) Pat Black (2012-2013) Maureen Maguire (2011-2012)
SIE Federation: Ulla Madsen (2013-2015) Kathy Kaaf (2011-2013)	SISWP Federation: Carolyn Hudson (2013-2015) Siew Yong Gnanalingam (2011-2013)

Speakers