The Manyu Hall in Yaoundé, Cameroon, was ablaze with the signature gold and blue of Soroptimist International on Saturday, April 25, 2026, as the SI Solidarity Club officially joined the global sisterhood. This historic charter ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the Soroptimist International African Federation (SIAF), welcoming a powerhouse group of 33 women—professionals, advocates, and change-makers—into the organization’s ranks. The day was defined by a spirit the members call “Action Before Accolades,” a commitment that would echo throughout the proceedings and set the tone for the club’s ambitious future.
The morning began with an opening prayer from Best Sister Florence Epse Mengot, who invoked blessings upon the club’s future projects and upon the lives of the women and girls they would serve. This spiritual foundation grounded the ceremony in the values of compassion, purpose, and collective service that define the Soroptimist movement.
The club’s Godmother and SIAF Regional Vice President, Ma Bernice Mpe Nkwain Epse Mengot, delivered a welcome address that set an empowering and inclusive tone for the entire event. In her remarks, Godmother Bernice recognized the virtual presence of SIAF leadership—President Mary Muia, Membership Director Judith Apondo, and Program Director Martha Pufong—while extending special gratitude to Best Sister Payne for her in-person support of the new members. Godmother Bernice delivered a powerful message of solidarity and continuity, reminding the soon-to-be chartered club that they were not walking this path alone. “You have the full backing of the sisters who came before you,” she told the assembled members, a statement that resonated deeply with the significance of the moment.
The Strength of SI Solidarity: A Club of Shakers and Movers
The strength and potential of SI Solidarity became immediately evident during the self-introduction session. While a club requires only 12 members to charter, a “clap of joy” broke out when it was announced that SI Solidarity had launched with over 20 active members. This powerhouse group of 33 women, described by President BS Margaret Bechem as the community’s “shakers and movers,” includes professionals from diverse fields—educators, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, and advocates—all united by a commitment to driving meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Ambitious Projects Aligned with SI Mission
The Programs Director of SI Solidarity Club, BS Fawoh Nancy, presented a roadmap that earned a standing ovation from the assembled members and virtual participants. The club’s flagship projects for 2026 are both ambitious and essential, each directly aligned with the Soroptimist International mission of empowering women and girls. SIAF President Mary Muia affirmed that these initiatives are “100% in line with the SI mission.”
The four cornerstone projects are:
Digital Literacy: SI Solidarity will train 50 rural girls on October 11, marking the International Day of the Girl Child. This initiative recognizes the digital divide as a critical barrier to opportunity and seeks to equip girls with essential technology skills for the modern world.
Health: The club will launch life-saving breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns, bringing critical health education to communities often underserved by healthcare information and resources.
Education: SI Solidarity will sponsor the schooling of girls displaced by the Anglophone crisis, ensuring that conflict and displacement do not derail the educational aspirations of vulnerable girls.
Economic Empowerment: The club will conduct vocational workshops in liquid soap production and hairdressing, providing women with practical skills and pathways to economic independence and income generation.
The Candle Lighting Ceremony: A Moment of Spiritual Unity
The most moving moment of the charter ceremony occurred during the Candle Lighting ceremony. As four candles were lit to symbolize Peace, Faith, Love, and Hope, something remarkable happened. The attendees in the hall and those joining virtually broke out into a spirited, unified rendition of “This Little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” The energy was so contagious, so powerful, that the digital divide disappeared entirely. Sisters danced and sang together from across the globe, their voices and spirits united in common purpose. It was a moment that transcended geography, technology, and circumstance—a true embodiment of the Soroptimist sisterhood.
Official Recognition and Path Forward
SIAF Membership and Extension Director, Judith Apondo, confirmed that SI Solidarity had met all charter requirements, noting that this milestone puts the Central Region on a direct path toward Network Status recognition later in 2026—a significant achievement that underscores the club’s potential and promise.
SIAF President Mary Muia displayed the official Charter Certificate and provided updates on the SIAF Biennial Conference and AGM 2026, scheduled for September 25-27 in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference theme, “Leading the Way: To Empowerment and Sustainability in Africa and Beyond,” reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and sustainable development across the continent.
Accepting the Challenge with Pride and Purpose
Accepting the charter certificate from SIAF President Mary Muia, SI Solidarity Club President Margaret Bechem didn’t hold back her pride. “Yes, we accept this charter certificate with our full chest!” she declared to the cheering crowd. She made it abundantly clear that while today is a celebration of achievement, it is truly just the beginning. “This is just the starting blocks for the work ahead,” she emphasized, setting a tone of determination and forward momentum.
A Fitting Celebration
The day concluded with a traditional Moninkim (Nyanga Dance) performed by Chief Paul Taku, a fitting and joyous end to a historic day. As sisters danced in celebration, it was clear that SI Solidarity is here, their light is lit, and they are ready to serve.
The charter of SI Solidarity Club represents more than the formal recognition of a new club. It is a testament to the power of women coming together with shared purpose, diverse expertise, and unwavering commitment to their communities. As they embark on their ambitious projects—from digital literacy to health awareness to education to economic empowerment—SI Solidarity carries with them the blessings, support, and solidarity of the entire Soroptimist International family. Their journey has just begun, but their impact will be felt far and wide.