ENGLISH

International Soroptimist Osaka was created in 1970, under the sponsorship of International Soroptimist Kyoto. Last year, on June 2, 2020, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the certification of our membership in Soroptimist. Since our own founding, we have certified clubs in Osaka Prefecture, and there are now a total of 14 original offspring clubs and clubs that originated from those secondary clubs, serving in their respective regions.
We had planned to have a ceremony in the year 2020, because we intended to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our certification, and we wanted to express our gratitude to all those who had supported us up to that point. However, we deeply regretted that we had to cancel the ceremony due to the pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection.
2020, which should have been a year for taking new steps into our second half century, was instead a very difficult year for Osaka club members, as it was for everyone on the planet. Under these circumstances, we were greatly encouraged when we received from the International Soroptimist Central Region the gift of a fund to help support the education of female students at universities and vocational schools. This of course delighted the award-winning students. We believe that all of we Soroptimist members need to think about what we can do to improve the lives and opportunities of women and girls whose actions within their communities are circumscribed and who therefore need encouragement. We must also consider how we can help communities that are affected by such events as earthquakes and other natural disasters. While the services we can offer
directly are limited, this expanding circle of service, which has been supported within the Osaka Club by the senior members who have nurtured it throughout its 50-year history, serves as an illuminating light for us, today’s members. Although the world now faces difficult times, we believe that we can see rays of hope, and we members all want to continue our work together.
We appreciate your understanding and your cooperation with us.
We thank the medical professionals for their steadfast work and pray that this infectious disease will be resolved as soon as possible, so that we can return again to our peaceful lives.