Who we are

Soroptimist International (SI)

• is the world’s largest service-organisation of women in professions
• is committed to the rights of women and girls worldwide
• addresses the most urgent questions of our time
• takes action where help is needed
• was founded in Oakland, California, in 1921
• has some 90,000 members in 125 countries and territories.

The name “Soroptimist” derives from Latin, "sorores optimae", which is best interpreted as “the best for women”. Soroptimists enjoy friendship all over the world.

By their Programme Goals, realised through thousands of projects accomplished or ongoing, Soroptimists help to ensure that women and girls
• enjoy equity and equality
• live in safe and healthy environments
• have access to education
• have leadership and practical skills

Soroptimists reach their objectives through the international network of members and through their work at the United Nations.
As a non-governmental organisation (NGO) SI has the highest status, that of the general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

Soroptimist International of Europe (SI/E)

• was established in Paris in 1924
• has recently been granted consultative Status with ECOSOC
• has representatives with participatory status at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg (CoE)
• is a member of the European Women’s Lobby in Brussels (EWL)
• is registered with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.

SI comprises four Federations:

SI Americas (www.soroptimist.org)
SI Europe (www.soroptimisteurope.org)
SI Great Britain and Ireland (www.soroptimist–gbi.org)
SI South West-Pacific (www.siswp.org)

SI-Europe has some 35,000 members in more than 1.230 clubs in 58 countries.
For historic reasons or of their own choice, 16 African countries and Haiti belong to SI/E.