SOROPTIMISTS are the world’s best-kept secret, according to Margaret Sandercock of the Southend group.

Despite helping women and girls the world over since starting up in 1921 in America, the group is relatively unknown.

The organisation was set up by businesswomen to support other women. The fact they had clout financially and contacts meant the organisation had huge influence to make change.

Now they are represented in the United Nations and this year were lobbying against female genital mutilation.

“The fact we are not that well-known is what makes the Soroptimists so special, because we can do all of this great work and have influence and much of it is under the radar,” says Margaret, a former headteacher from Canvey.

“A lot of the work the organisation does is practical work on the ground in countries where women need help. This does not always make headline news.”

She is the programme active officer of the Southend arm of the organisation, a role which sees her promote local events.

The group celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. It will hold a series of events in October, where Soroptimists from across the world, including Japan, Spain and Belgium, will come and spend a weekend in Southend and there will be a lunch at the Cliffs Pavilion for members and former members.

Margaret believes the group is set apart from feminist groups and other human rights organisations.

She says: “We do not align ourselves with feminist groups as such, because we are all about doing practical things on ground level for females. We talk about topical issues that affect women and what we can do to help.

“There is a need for our organisation alongside human rights organisations, because there are so many women in countries where they are not seen as equal and women need that extra support.”

The group also works locally to help women.

Margaret says: “We donated £2,000 to Southend Young Carers this year, so that young people could go on adventure holidays and have a break. We also support the local women’s refuges.”

The group does not have trouble recruiting members, but they are always looking for fresh blood.

Margaret says: “We recruit around one or two people a year and keep a steady 35 members. The ladies are in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and some older, with varied backgrounds and different career histories.

“They all bring different things to the group from their experience of the working world and coming from different walks of life.”

How do they raise funds?

“Mostly we eat,” laughs Margaret. “We have lunches and coffee mornings and monthly meetings to talk about issues. All the women have one clear goal – to help support women all over the world.”

For further details on the group or to join e-mail southendsoroptimists @blueyonder.co.uk