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We are pleased to present the Objective and Key Topics of the Breakout Session #1: Gender Equity for Sustainable Future during the Soroptimist International of Europe Congress 2025!

The aim of this session is to demonstrate how gender equality is a crucial component of sustainable economic and social development. We seek to inspire participants to take meaningful action toward building a more just and inclusive world. Each panelist will present insights based on their expertise.
Key topics will include:
✔️The connection between sustainability, gender equality, and economic growth
✔️Economic practices that promote equal opportunities for women and girls
✔️ Collaboration between business, the public sector, and civil society organizations
✔️ Strategies for implementing gender-sensitive policies
✔️ The role of women and girls in shaping a sustainable future  

Panelists' Presentations and Discussion:
Emma Holten – Social Justice and Gender Equity in Economic Systems Emma Holten, a leading feminist thinker, will discuss how traditional economic models have failed to value women’s contributions, particularly unpaid care work. Her insights will shed light on how economic justice and gender equity can drive sustainable societies.
Key Questions:
✔️ How have traditional economic models disadvantaged women?
✔️ What role does social justice play in achieving economic sustainability?
✔️ How can businesses and policymakers integrate gender equity into their strategies?

Galia Chimiak – The Role of Civil Society in Advancing Economic and Social Sustainability Galia Chimiak will explore how CSOs have championed human rights and gender equality, particularly in the face of rising opposition. She will discuss how organizations can secure long- term sustainability and counteract efforts that threaten gender-inclusive progress.
Key Questions:
✔️ How can CSOs effectively promote economic and social sustainability?
✔️ What are the challenges faced by women-led organizations?
✔️ How can gender equality be safeguarded against political and social pushback? 

Marzena Maj - Philanthropy, Media, and Women’s Empowerment Marzena Maj, a trailblazer in the ventilation and fire safety industry, has amassed a remarkable 18 years of experience in HVAC and sales. Beyond corporate success, she started numerous philanthropic initiatives, including a gala collection of over PLN 14,000,000 (in 2023) and the first Championships of the Polish Construction Industry in Road Cycling (in 2024) for the beneficiaries of fire victims and Maj's family Foundations, of which she is the president. 
Key Questions:
✔️ How can philanthropy drive gender-inclusive economic policies?
✔️ What role does storytelling play in raising awareness about gender inequality?
✔️ How can business and media collaborate to promote sustainable social change?

Join us for this dynamic discussion and be part of the movement toward a more just and sustainable world!

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We are pleased to present the Objective and Key Topics of the Breakout Session #2: Seeds of change : Women Transforming Sustainable, Resilient Food Systems the Soroptimist International of Europe Congress 2025! 

Key topics will include:
✔️Highlight the transformative role of women in shaping sustainable agricultural practices and resilient food systems. ✔️Present innovative, gender-responsive solutions in water management, Zero Waste farming, and climate adaptation. ✔️Showcase case studies and grassroots initiatives that enhance food security, promote biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact.
✔️Promote community empowerment through citizen science, policy advocacy, and inclusive agricultural practices. ✔️Identify scalable strategies and partnerships that bridge local actions with global sustainability goals.

Panelists' Presentations and Discussion:
Rosaida Dolce – Environmental Engineer, FAO Land and Water Division, WASAG Rosaida Dolce is an Environmental Engineer specialized in water. Since 2016, she has been part of the Land and Water Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), where she supports the management of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG) and works on the Addressing Water Scarcity for Agriculture and the Environment (AWSAMe) project.
Key Questions:
✔️Global perspectives on sustainable food systems and water resource management
✔️FAO initiatives for sustainable land and water use
✔️How gender-sensitive policies enhance climate resilience 

Dr. Amrita Gautam – Civil Engineer, PhD Candidate, Leader of the Drink Pani Project Amrita Gautam is a Civil Engineer from Nepal, pursuing her doctoral research at Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems, Technical University of Cologne with special focus in Hydro-Informatics: Water Supply Engineering and Management, having work experiences from various United Nations Organizations and Research Projects in Nepal, Germany, Mozambique, Brazil, Canada & USA. 
Key Questions:
✔️Hydro-Informatics and digital water management for agriculture
✔️Nepal case studies: water conservation and climate adaptation
✔️Role of citizen science in empowering women and communities 

Joanna Kądziołka – President, Polish Zero Waste Association Communication expert, environmental educator, initiator of an educational campaign calling for the introduction of a deposit system in Poland. Coordinator of social projects, including Zero Waste Map, which promotes businesses operating in the spirit of zero waste.
Key Questions:
✔️How to minimize waste across agricultural supply chains
✔️Zero Waste and circular economy practices
✔️Community engagement for sustainable consumption 

Jesca Oredo – CEO Nyochanda Ventures, SI Kenya Retired Chief Agricultural Officer County Government of Kisumu, Charter President SI Maseno Club, President SI Union of Kenya (2025-2026 biennium), CEO Nyochanda Ventures Chairperson Marketing & Publicity Agricultural Society of Kenya Kisumu (East Africa) Show. 
Key Questions:
✔️How Women-led sustainable agriculture in Kenya
✔️Zero Case study: water harvesting and food security
✔️Social impact of empowering women in farming 

This is more than just a conversation-it's an opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate on actionable solutions.

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We are pleased to present the Objective and Key Topics of the Breakout Session #3: Sustainable Cities – Paving the Way for Inclusive, Resilient Urban Futures during the Soroptimist International of Europe Congress 2025!

Cities are the engines of innovation and economic growth—but they also face challenges such as climate change, urban poverty, and infrastructure strain. This session will explore how urban systems, governance, and technological innovation can be harnessed to build sustainable, inclusive cities. By drawing on international best practices and interdisciplinary perspectives, we aim to identify actionable strategies for enhancing urban resilience, reducing poverty, and fostering sustainable economic prosperity.

Key topics will include:
  ✔️ Urban Systems and Governance: Examine how effective urban governance and land management can drive sustainability.
✔️ Climate Resilience and Energy Transition: Discuss strategies for enhancing cities’ resilience in the face of climate change and transitioning to clean energy.
✔️ Poverty Reduction and Housing: Explore policies and practices that reduce urban poverty, improve housing conditions, and ensure safe, inclusive spaces—especially for women.
✔️ Financing Sustainable Development: Highlight innovative financing models that can support large-scale urban sustainability projects.
✔️ Best Practices: Share global and European case studies that demonstrate successful approaches to sustainable urban development. 

Panelists' Presentations and Discussion:
Dr Alice Paola Pome - Department of Architecture, Construction Engineering and Built Environment – Politecnico Milano She will discuss how PropTech innovations and data-driven environmental impact assessments (through tools like the WIEFA) are transforming urban real estate and building efficiency. Her insights on technological and operational strategies will set the stage for sustainable urban infrastructure. Her goal is to implement sustainability in building management, to make buildings more efficient and less resource-consuming. 
Elizabeth Doherty – Economist in the OECD Cities Elizabeth Doherty is an Economist in the Inclusive Growth in Cities Unit at the OECD, where she primarily focuses on economic strategies to boost local prosperity and reduce multidimensional urban inequalities. Prior to joining the OECD, she held roles across the UK Government, including in the Growth and Places Analysis Team and the Circular Economy, Resources and Waste Team at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She also worked as an economics and climate consultant in Amsterdam. Elizabeth holds a MSc in Economics from UCL and a BSc in Economics and Politics from the University of Bristol. 
Dr Katarzyna Iwińska - sociologist Dr Katarzyna Iwińska is a sociologist whose work focuses on the human perspective on a changing energy and environmental system. Since 2012, she has worked as an expert and researcher in interdisciplinary projects on (energy) decision-making processes, social acceptance of energy transition, and environmental/participatory democracy in local communities. Also, she has been working on education for sustainable development for social and humanities studies (MA and BA programs). She co-edited the handbook: “Widening Interdisciplinarity Sustainability Education – WISE book” (together with M. Kraszewska, M. Jones, 2018) and “Gender and Energy Transition: Case Studies from the Upper Silesia Coal-mining Region).

Key Questions:
✔️ How can cities become hubs for sustainable innovation and economic prosperity?
✔️ What policies and technologies can reduce urban poverty and inequality while ensuring safe spaces for women?
✔️ How can governance, land management, and innovative financing mechanisms support the achievement of sustainability goals in urban areas?

Join us for this dynamic discussion and be part of the movement toward a more just and sustainable world!

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We are pleased to present the Objective and Key Topics of the Breakout Session #4 : The Istanbul Convention and Gender-Based Violence during the Soroptimist International of Europe Congress 2025!

The Istanbul Convention represents a significant international treaty focused on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. This session aims to deepen the understanding of the Convention’s principles and the pivotal role of the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) in its implementation. Panelists will explore the impact of this landmark treaty in shaping gender equality policies, and the vital work of GREVIO and organizations like the European Women's Lobby (EWL) in advancing these causes. 

Key topics will include:
✔️ Define GREVIO’s Role and Expertise;
✔️ Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence Prevention;
✔️ Multi-Agency Cooperation;
✔️ Gender Equality Advocacy and Policy Development;
✔️ Soroptimist Project "Room of her own”;

Panelists' Presentations and Discussion:
Pascale Franck is an expert in gender-based violence, domestic violence, and child abuse As part of GREVIO, she brings in-depth knowledge of the monitoring mechanisms and legal frameworks that uphold the Istanbul Convention. She has extensive experience in project management, multi-agency collaboration, and training, specializing in nonprofit organizations, police and justice, and public speaking. 
Katarzyna Sękowska-Kozłowska is a researcher at the Institute of Law Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences Director of Poznan Human Rights Centre, on board of Interdisciplinary Centre for Cultural Gender and Identity Studies of Poznań University and lectures Gender Studies. Is also member of several Polish and international legal bodies like Federation for Women and Family Planning. Expert of the European Commission.  
Rita Chiappa is a representative of Soroptimist International, SI Vercelli Program Director of the Italian Union and will present the Room of her own project which supports women and girls who have experienced gender-based violence. Rita has vast experience in managing Soroptimist projects and is dedicated to creating sustainable and impactful change for women in need. 

Join us for this dynamic discussion and be part of the movement toward a more just and sustainable world!