Who Are We?

Who exactly are the Soroptimists?

Soroptimists are women who use the special expertise and management skills developed in their working life to advance the status of women and to try to make the world a better place. Membership offers the opportunity to work with like-minded women throughout the world for human rights for all, equality, development and peace.

We are a non-political and non-religious organisation that works on projects at international, national, regional and local level.

Soroptimist International is the world’s largest women’s service organisation. A vibrant, dynamic organisation, we are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential. Where they can realise their aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide.

We have over 3,000 clubs around the world, in over 124 countries, from Argentina to Zimbabwe. We work to advance human rights and especially the status of women. We work to empower women through economic independence and greater participation in decision-making at all levels.

United Nations building in New YorkWe are immensely proud of our Consultative Status at the United Nations, where we have twelve permanent representatives in New York, Geneva, Vienna and Paris. In 1984 we attained Category 1 Consultative Status as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the only women’s service organisation to do so. It is only through work at club level that we maintain our national and international influence.

And to get a little more specific; Soroptimist International has been granted official recognition with:

  • United Nations Special Agencies, including the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
  • International Labour Organisation
  • World Health Organisation
  • UN Industrial development Organisation
  • Food and Agricultural Organisation

Soroptimist International is also accredited with:

  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees
  • UN Children’sFund (UNICEF)
  • UN Environment Programme
A question often asked:

So what does the word ‘Soroptimist’ mean? It was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.