SOROPTIMIST GRANTS $20,000 GRANT TO ASSIST WOMEN AFFECTED BY FLOODS

April 21, 2008
Contact: Kamali Brooks, Public Relations Manager
215-893-9000 x130, kamali@soroptimist.org 

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Soroptimist International of the Americas, an international volunteer organization of business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girl, presented a $20,000 disaster relief grant to its club in Quito, Ecuador to help meet the needs of women and their families who were displaced by recent floods. With the grant, Quito Soroptimists will provide these women with food, clothing and other immediate necessities.

Devastating mudslides and floods have killed 38 people and destroyed 400 homes, leaving many families in Coastal Ecuador displaced. Triggered by torrential rains, most of the landslides occurred outside the city of Quito, where flooding damaged roads and buildings, and contaminated drinking water. Soroptimist International of Quito, Ecuador, will work with the Red Cross and Ecuadorian Civil Defense to provide 2,000 women and their families with baskets full of non-perishable items such as rice, dried grains, powdered milk and bottled water. Personal care items including toothpaste, soap, detergent and blankets will also be provided.

Soroptimist has long been concerned about the disproportionate effects of disasters on women and girls. In addition to providing the Disaster Relief Grants, Soroptimist recently funded a research study conducted by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), titled “Women in the Wake of the Storm: Examining the Post-Katrina Realities of the Women of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.” The study found that women faced and continue to confront special challenges to their health, safety, and economic wellbeing in the lingering aftermath of hurricane Katrina; that women were at an increased risk of exposure to sexual assault and domestic violence; and that they encounter greater economic hurdles when rebuilding their lives.

“Women and girls are particularly vulnerable during disasters. They lack mobility and access to resources, have increased family responsibilities, and are susceptible to physical danger,” said Soroptimist’s executive director, Leigh Wintz, CAE. “Soroptimist's disaster relief program mitigates the barriers facing women and girls during disasters, making it easier for them to get the resources they need to survive.”

Soroptimist International of Quito is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Programs include the Women’s Opportunity Awards, which provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. Each year, more than $1 million is disbursed through this award-winning program. Soroptimist also sponsors the Live Your Dream campaign in recognition of the power of women and their dreams. Visit the campaign's online home at: <LiveYourDreamCampaign.org>. For more information on how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit <Soroptimist.org>. For more information about the Quito club, contact Yolanda Cordova de Anolrade at 593-225-4085.

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