Journalism of Courage
Soroptimist Nisha Ghosh is the first Indian to be elected to the Federation Executive Board as the Friendship Link Coordinator
The first part of the word Soroptimist has roots in the Latin word ‘soror,’ meaning ‘sister’. Soroptimist International (SI) is an organisation made up of working women from different professions who come together for a common cause- to empower womankind.
It is a great honour for me to be the first Indian in the Executive Board. My hard work and commitment has been recognised and that is a good feeling, says Ghosh,whose primary duty is to maintain communication and coordination between different soroptimist clubs across the world. I am looking forward to my new role at the Federation and hope that more representatives from developing countries will make it there to show the diversity of the organisation. This post will give me the opportunity to promote friendship between clubs worldwide.
SI was born in California in 1921,as a response to the Rotary Club not allowing women to join them. Since then,the organisation has spread to over 120 countries and is growing larger by the day. All the work done by the soroptimists is guided by the United Nations,especially when related to education,gender issues and violence.
Being a part of something as big as this is a matter of honour for me. In my travels abroad Ive visited Soroptimists in over a dozen countries,including Pakistan,where we went on a peace mission. We believe that women can make a huge difference through international goodwill and understanding,and they can be ambassadors of peace, says Ghosh. The organisation also has an international chat line where soroptimists around the world can connect and add to the conversation that covers a range of topics from cross-cultural issues to curries.
Ghosh is also a writer and filmmaker who has contributed to the literature of the organisation and has also shot three short films based on the upliftment of women.
