A former Halton councillor has been acknowledged on International Women’s Day, to mark the first centenary of Soroptimist International.

Past member, the late Janet Jones, has been selected as one of more than 100 Soroptimists to be commemorated as part of the #Whoisshe? campaign.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year was ‘Choose To Challenge ’ which is exactly what Janet did throughout her life always challenging for change to make better lives, especially for women and girls.

Janet was well known to many Halton residents and her achievements were many.

Some of these included  teaching in local schools before coming headteacher at Astmoor Infant School, being a  Magistrate on the Halton Bench, President of the Runcorn Branch of the National Association of Head Teachers and also President of the local Liberal Party from 1973 to 1978.

Janet campaigned against for representation of women in politics and was part of the “Women into Public Life“ campaign to get more women into Parliament. Janet went on to become co-chairman of the Women’s National Commission, a government advisory body.

She was a UK delegate at the 4th world Conference for Women in Beijing in 1995. Also, in 1995 she was awarded an OBE for services to education.

Locally, Janet was a member of the management committee of Halton Women’s Aid and helped to run the local women’s refuge.

Janet was a prominent and active  member of Soroptimist International Runcorn, Frodsham & District for many years taking on many club roles, notably as Club President as the Club celebrated its 50 years in 1990.

Current Club members say: “We are delighted that Janet has been selected as one of these wonderful women being celebrated to mark the centenary of Soroptimist International.

David Parr OBE, CEO Halton Borough Council said: “This is great recognition for Janet”.

The centenary of the organisation seemed a fitting opportunity to recognise and celebrate the professional and personal commitments made by these outstanding members through the years.

These #Whoisshe? campaign members, both past and present, from Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland have all been nominated by Soroptimist Clubs for their noteworthy contribution to society in the furtherance of the aims and objects of the organisation.

A full account of Janet’s achievements can be seen here.
https://sigbi.org/soroptimistcentenary2021/files/70.-Janet-Jones-OBE-1930-2016-.pdf

Mersey Gateway Bridge was also illuminated to celebrate International Women’s Day

For more information about Soroptimist International of Runcorn, Frodsham and District or this Press Release, please contact Karen Tong OBE email k_tonge@sky.com

  1. www.sigbi.org/ https://sigbi.org/runcorn-frodsham-and-district/www.sigbi.orgwww.soroptimistinternational.org

     

  2. Soroptimist International is a leading global women’s voluntary organisation. It has close to 80,000 members in more than 3,000 Clubs in over 100 countries around the world. The Federation of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has members in more than 270 clubs in 18 countries in the British Isles, Asia, the Caribbean and Malta.
  3. Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships. Soroptimists are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide.
  4. Soroptimists focus on transforming the lives of women and girls, locally, nationally and globally, through education, empowerment and enabling initiatives by raising Awareness, Advocacy and Action. Soroptimists make a difference to the lives of more than half a million women and girls in the world every year.
  5. Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland is an organisation in Special Consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council since July 2013, which is in addition to the General Consultative status held by the umbrella organisation Soroptimist International. Soroptimist International is a recognised Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) representing women from all over the world.