A creative project bringing the soroptimists into the spotlight
The Soroptimists of Maribor have taken an innovative approach to increasing their visibility and engaging a younger audience with their latest project, Maribor – My Living Room. This unique initiative combined photography, intergenerational cooperation, and civic pride to introduce more people to the values and mission of the Soroptimist movement.
As an organisation committed to empowering women, membership growth is essential to sustaining its impact. To ensure a strong future, it is crucial to remain visible, attract new members, and continue advocating for women’s rights. With this in mind, members of SI Maribor set out to create a highly visual and engaging campaign that would not only highlight their work but also introduce Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) to those who had never heard of it before.
Collaborating with Professor Rajko Bizjak and his Media Studies students from ACADEMIA College in Maribor, club members participated in a professional photography project. Each member was captured in a symbolic location around the city—one that reflected her professional background, interests, or personal story. These striking portraits were then displayed on large posters in the city centre, turning Maribor into an open-air gallery and sparking curiosity among passersby.
Beyond visibility, the project fostered valuable intergenerational cooperation. The students gained hands-on experience in professional photography, guided by their professor, while also learning about volunteerism and humanitarian work. To honour their contributions, the most outstanding students received awards from the President of the Soroptimist Club of Maribor at the end of the project.
The impact of the initiative was immediate. The exhibition attracted significant attention, with coverage in both traditional and digital media, further amplifying its reach. Many locals who encountered the posters were intrigued by the Soroptimist movement, leading to conversations with club members. Some even expressed interest in joining the organisation, proving that visibility plays a key role in sustaining and growing the movement.
By merging art, community engagement, and advocacy, Maribor – My Living Room demonstrates how creative initiatives can strengthen SIE’s presence, inspire new members, and ensure that its mission continues to thrive for generations to come.