WOMEN’S ORGANIZATIONS URGE BARACK OBAMA TO APPOINT MORE WOMEN TO EXECUTIVE POSITIONS
Soroptimist signs joint letter to the U.S. president-elect

Date: January 5, 2009
Contact: Kamali Brooks, Public Relations Manager, 215-893-9000 x130

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Soroptimist International of the Americas, an international volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, joined several leading women’s groups to author a letter entreating U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to increase the number of women appointed to executive positions in the White House.

The letter also urges the president-elect to establish an executive Office on Women, which would address women’s issues and work to solve the many inequities women around the world face. This office would also seek new ways to help women and girls from all races and walks of life to reach their full potential; evaluate the impact federal programs have on women and adjust them accordingly; and make sure women’s needs are adequately met.

“In every country around the world, women and girls face obstacles and discrimination solely because of their gender. It’s up to organizations like Soroptimist to empower women, help them overcome barriers, and encourage them to live their dreams,” said Soroptimist Executive Director Leigh Wintz, CAE. “Soroptimist has joined forces with other women’s organizations to stress the importance of having more women involved in the executive level decision-making process.”

Other organizations signing on to the letter include: the Feminist Majority, National Organization for Women, YWCA USA, National Congress of Black Women, Global Summit of Women, and Ms. Foundation for Women. A complete list of organizations and the letter are located at: http://www.iwpr.org/pdf/lettertoPresident-ElectObama.pdf.

Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Soroptimist offers programs that improve social and economic conditions for women and girls. Its major program, the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. Each year, more than $1 million is disbursed to deserving women through this award-winning program. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, 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>.

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