ABSTRACT
On January 19, 1954, ten months before Suzanne’s death, Janet Lawson, then President of the Soroptimist Club of Edinburgh, wrote to Suzanne and asked her to record her role in the history of Soroptimist International. 1 After all, Suzanne was the founding president of the club, having traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia initiating new chapters in countries that were sorely lacking in recognizing professional women’s contributions to society. Suzanne was the single most important figure in the founding of one of the most prominent women’s organizations in Europe, the Soroptimist International, and tending for years to its growth and stability. Her constant dedication to this organization, which she often referred to as her “child,” earned her the designation of “Godmother” of the European Soroptimists. Moreover, it is her work in the Soroptimists that helps to define her views from a feminist perspective, and where her dedication to the betterment of women can be ultimately understood. Suzanne’s cosmetic surgery career constituted only a part of how she assisted women in accomplishing independence. The other part rested in her career as a Soroptimist—dedicated to helping women achieve independence through a network of support within a public milieu. Suzanne was devoted to keeping women in the workforce for as long as possible and she helped to keep them there, first, by enabling them to look youthful and capable of working despite the lack of protection or laws against ageism, and second, by supporting them personally and professionally through her Soroptimist organization. Thanks in part to Suzanne’s reply to Ms. Lawson’s request, we have an invaluable history of the European Federation of Soroptimism. Much of this chapter is taken directly from Suzanne’s writings.
