Soroptimist Croydon and District

19/09/2026

09/08/2026

This time last week we were preparing to welcome guests from Bromley Soroptimists, friends and other local organisations to our Fusion Tea.

The lovely weather enabled us to gather in the garden and top up our vitamin D. We also welcomed our newest member, whose new ideas and insights as a younger person will help to keep our inter-generational relationships thriving.

18/06/2026

Showing the next generation what’s possible….

Earlier this year I attended the “Loud & Proud” public speaking competition organised by Soroptimist International, where I met some incredibly inspiring young women from Croydon.

It was brilliant to welcome them to Parliament for a tour and show them around.

They are all so talented - Croydon’s future is in good hands.

12/06/2026

With only 10% of stations staffed at all times – and just over half (55%) offering any visible security – it’s clear that safety at railway stations is still not being taken seriously.

Our newly published Railway Station Safety Survey exposes significant gaps in safety and security across the UK rail network, putting many at risk – particularly women and girls.

Today, our President, Gillie O'Rourke , shared these findings on ITV News, highlighting the stark reality, what must change, and SIGBI’s recommendations for rail operators across the country.

📺 Catch up on today’s broadcast here: https://www.itv.com/watch/news/watch-wednesdays-lunchtime-news-as-the-pm-calls-for-calm-and-order-after-belfast-disorder/gktz1xf

🔗 Read the report here: https://sigbi.org/railwaysurvey

10/06/2026

Thank you Sarah Jones MP: Standing up for Croydon and your team for inviting our 2026 Loud & Proud public speaking competition participants to visit the Houses of Parliament today. It was a very informative visit and we could have listened to the house debate even longer.

Thank you for your continued support and for encouraging the pupils to see how they can make a difference.

03/06/2026

01/06/2026

Why We Do What We Do

During Volunteers’ Week, we are taking a moment to reflect on why the women of SI Croydon & District choose to volunteer.

We all have busy lives. Careers, families, businesses, caring responsibilities, community commitments, and the countless demands that come with everyday life. Yet, week after week, month after month, women continue to give their time to support the work of SI Croydon & District.

Why?

Because we believe that when women support women, communities become stronger.

Because we believe that opportunities should not be limited by gender.

Because we know that education, empowerment, and encouragement can change lives.

Because we have seen the difference that collective action can make.

Volunteering is not always about grand gestures. Often, it is the small acts of service, the conversations, the mentoring, the fundraising, the advocacy, and the willingness to show up that create lasting impact.

Every project, event, and initiative is powered by women who care deeply about creating a better future for women and girls.

This Volunteers’ Week, we celebrate not only what our volunteers do, but the values that inspire them to do it.

Thank you to every member, supporter, and volunteer who contributes their time, skills, and passion to SI Croydon & District. Your commitment continues to make a difference.

11/03/2026

We appreciate you making the time to join us and for continuing to support this important event in our annual calendar 👏🏽👏🏽

I heard from many inspiring young Croydon women at this year’s ‘Loud and Proud’ public speaking competition.

The ability to speak publicly and advocate for yourself and others is a skill for life – many thanks to the Soroptomist International for organising this event and for continuing to champion women in Croydon.

08/03/2026

Around this time each year we encourage year 6 girls to let their voices be heard. On Friday, we held our annual Loud & Proud public speaking competition.

Participants stand in the council chamber to share their research and thoughts on one of 5 topics to an audience of teachers, parents, judges, the Civic Mayor, local MP and Soroptimists. They did not fail to move and inspire us to take notice.

Congratulations to all of the participants and winners, you are awesome 🎉🎉🎉

Happy Let’s all

25/01/2026

Our own Orange Café, following our monthly session volunteering at the food bank.