How Women Build Opportunities for Women Worldwide
21/03/2026 06:31:00 Interview
Women’s empowerment is not only a global agenda but also a deeply personal journey shaped by experience, solidarity, and shared responsibility. Soroptimist International, operating in more than 120 countries, brings together women who work collectively to improve the lives of others through education, support, and community engagement.
This combined interview presents perspectives from the leadership of the Soroptimist International Staten Island Club, a Georgian member of the organization, and a board member actively involved in community initiatives—offering insight into global mission, personal experience, and local impact.
Interview with Tina Bilcher Murphy
(President of the Soroptimist International Staten Island Club)
Q: When and with what idea was Soroptimist International founded?
A: The idea of Soroptimist was founded in the year 1921 during the time of Suffrage. A man named Stuart Morrow from Dublin actually founded the first club while searching for members of an optimism club, he approached a secretarial school owned by women.
Q: What is the organization’s main mission and goals today?
A: Today the main mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through educational empowerment.
Q: In how many countries does the organization operate, and approximately how many women have you helped throughout your existence?
A: Soroptimist formed in Great Britain and Europe, forming Soroptimist International in 1928 and now operates in 121 countries. The average number of women we help is 48,000 per year.
Q: What types of programs do you offer to women who need support?
A: We offer Dream programs at both High school and college levels. Dream it be it for High school launched in 2015 and has had over 138,000 participants and Live your Dream college program launched in 1972 and has helped more than 47,000. Women overcome poverty and domestic abuse by providing grants and educational scholarships.
Q: Can you recall a story about a woman whose life was especially changed by your organization’s help?
A: A few years back we met the regional Live your Dream Award winner - her essay and life story was so moving- she still stays with me. She was a veteran who was shot in the face by her abusive husband - he shot her at such close range she lost her eye. She saved herself and her children from the confines of an abusive marriage. And continued her education with the help of the Live your Dream award.
Q: What is the situation of women today, and what problems do you see as the most pressing?
A: According to Soroptimist International, the number one problem facing women and girls today is economic inequality, specifically the lack of economic empowerment caused by poverty, unequal pay, and a lack of access to education and training.
Q: How can women participate in your organization’s programs and receive assistance?
A: There is an application process with specific qualifications and criteria on every club website as well as Soroptimist of the Americas and Soroptimist International.
Q: How important is the involvement of women from different cultures to you?
A: It’s important to me that women of different cultures are involved in Soroptimist because diverse perspectives make our impact stronger and more meaningful. When women from all backgrounds come together, we learn from one another, broaden our understanding, and create solutions that truly reflect the communities we serve.
Q: What role can immigrant women play in strengthening local communities?
A: Inclusion of diverse cultures isn't just a value, it is a main ingredient in a recipe for growth and impact.
Q: What example does Lia Kiladze set, and how do you evaluate her contribution?
A: Lia's membership is a welcomed surprise to our club. She is an asset to our club, bringing a rich cultural perspective that strengthens our work. We are eager to learn more about her cultural circles and how they can connect with and benefit from Soroptimist, expanding our reach and impact. Lia's approach to her membership is extremely participatory. She is a smart and strong volunteer, always pitching in and attending each event with the utmost tenacious support.
From Global Vision to Personal Experience
While the organization’s leadership highlights its global mission and structured programs, the lived experience of empowerment and solidarity is reflected in the perspective of Georgian member Lia Kiladze, whose professional and personal journey illustrates how these values translate into real-life impact.
Interview with Lia Kiladze
(Community development expert, social entrepreneurship researcher and practitioner, Soroptimist member)
Q: What was your main motivation for joining an international organization supporting women?
A: For me, women’s empowerment has never been just a value—it has always been an integral part of my professional work. For years, I have been engaged in this field both as a researcher and as a leader of social projects. My membership in the “Soroptimist International – Kutaisi -Kolchis”, Georgia (since 2019), showed me that support for women becomes most effective when it takes a collective form. That is why, upon arriving in the United States, I immediately joined the Staten Island club of Soroptimist International. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with such warmth and sincerity that I truly felt at home.
Q: Based on your experience, what type of support do women most often need?
A: In my experience, women do not lack skills or motivation—what they often lack is access to opportunities. This is reflected in very practical needs: having a mentor who can share experience and guide decision-making; access to professional networks that help advance career paths; or financial support to start something they have long aspired to pursue. At the same time, many women face far more difficult realities. They may have to deal with violence, social exclusion, or situations where they simply have no one to turn to for help. In such circumstances, women are left not only without resources but also without a sense of safety and support. The situation becomes even more challenging for women raising young children. They must take responsibility not only for themselves but also for their children’s future. This makes decision-making significantly more difficult, as uncertainty and fear are no longer personal—they are directly tied to their children’s well-being. In many cases, women try to cope with these challenges quietly and on their own. From the outside, everything may appear stable, but in reality, they face serious barriers. These obstacles often lead to self-doubt and further increase their vulnerability. This is why organized support is so important. The Soroptimist women’s club provides a space where women are not alone—where individual efforts are strengthened through collective support and transformed into real impact.
Q: In your opinion, what challenges do immigrant women face in the United States?
A: In my observation, beyond the emotional challenge of missing family and loved ones, one of the most difficult issues immigrant women faces is rebuilding their professional identity. Many arrive with education and experience that cannot be fully utilized in a new environment. In addition, they often encounter language and communication barriers, a lack of social networks, difficulty entering the labor market, and the pressure of cultural adaptation. At the same time, many face a dual burden—balancing family responsibilities with the need for economic independence and self-realization.
Q: What does women’s solidarity and mutual support mean to you?
A: To me, women’s solidarity is a conscious choice. It means rejecting a model of competition that places women against one another and instead building a system based on mutual support and empowerment. It involves recognizing and celebrating each other’s success, sharing resources, passing on experience, and standing by one another when it matters most. In real life, solidarity becomes most visible at critical moments—when a woman is not left alone in the face of professional, social, or personal challenges.
Q: What would you say to women who are currently in a difficult situation and looking for support?
A: First and foremost, I would say that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. One of the biggest mistakes women can make is to remain isolated. In my experience, change begins with acknowledging the problem, seeking support, even from just one person, and taking small but consistent steps forward. Today, there are many spaces and networks ready to provide support. What matters most is that a woman recognizes her own value and believes that her situation can, and will improve.
From Experience to Community Recognition
Alongside global programs and personal engagement, Soroptimist International also places strong emphasis on recognizing women who create impact within their communities. This perspective is highlighted by Angie DePompo Seff, who is actively involved in organizing initiatives such as the Ruby Awards.
Interview with Angie DePompo Seff
(Organizer, Board Member)
Q: What is the “Ruby Awards,” and what significance does this award hold?
A: The Ruby Award is given by the Soroptimists in recognition to women who go the extra mile to improve the lives of others. Specifically, the award is presented to women who help by inspiring and encouraging others through their actions. This award was established to acknowledge the significant impact these women have on their community and is associated with the qualities of wisdom, strength and love.
Q: What criteria do you use to select the women who receive this award? How many women were awarded this year, and in which fields are they active?
A: The women are selected by their peers for their outstanding service and contributions to help improve the lives of the people within the community. This year we had six honorees and one junior honoree. The women are active in many different fields and are involved with multiple organizations, so it is hard to pin it down to just one organization.
Q: What was the most important challenge in organizing this year’s event?
A: Every year we try to surpass the past year, both in total funds which are used for scholarships, and we are always striving to increase attendance. It is challenging to get donations and gift cards from the many businesses. We are always trying to come up with new and fresh ideas to help in this goal.
Q: What does supporting women mean to you in today’s society?
A: Supporting women in today's society means actively championing their rights, celebrating their achievements and working towards a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and respect. It involves acknowledging the systemic barriers women have faced and committing to dismantling them. True support means believing women when they speak their truth, advocating for policies that promote gender equality and recognizing intersectionality to address the unique challenges faced by women from different backgrounds.
Q: How important is cultural diversity for your organization, and what does it mean when women from different countries serve a common purpose?
A: Cultural diversity is crucial as it enriches society with a variety of perspectives, values, and practices that contribute to a more inclusive and equitable environment. When women from different countries serve a common purpose, it reflects the strength and unity of diverse cultures working together towards shared goals. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, enhanced problem-solving abilities, and a more harmonious global community.
Q: How would you evaluate the work of Lia Kiladze?
A: Lia Kiladze, as a newcomer to our Soroptimist organization is always willing to help wherever she is needed.
