Membership
We are a membership organisation open to all women who want to make a meaningful difference. By joining, you become part of a supportive, purposeful community taking action to improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and globally. Membership connects you with inspiring women, impactful projects, and a shared commitment to creating positive change — offering friendship, learning, and the chance to contribute in a way that fits your life.
Projects
Clubs are at the heart of our work. Together, members design and deliver projects that directly improve the lives of women and girls — responding to local needs, partnering with community organisations, and contributing to global initiatives. Each club chooses the issues it wants to tackle and leads its own activities, from awareness campaigns to hands‑on support. This grassroots action is what drives our impact and turns our mission into real change.
Soroptimist Global
SIGBI is one Federation of five around the world. The Soroptimist organisation has General Consultatice Status at the UN and comprises tens of thousands of members in well over 100 countries around the world
Who we are and where we came from
Women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Soroptimists transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.
1920
First Venture club chartered in Bristol, UK forming what will become the oldest Soroptimist club in the world
1921
First Soroptimist club founded in Oakland, California. The Founder President was Violet Richardson Ward.
1924
Chartering of first Soroptimist club in London. The Founder President was Viscountess Falmouth.
Suzanne Nöel founded SI Paris, the first Soroptimist club in Europe. She later became the first President of the European Federation.
1928
Foundation of American and European Federations. Soroptimist International Association created to provide link between the Federations.
1930
Group of Venture clubs from South West UK join Soroptimists
1934
Europe and Great Britain & Ireland form separate Federations.
1937
First Soroptimist club in Sydney, Australia.
1948
Soroptimist International Association awarded Consultative status with UNESCO.
1950
SI awarded category C Consultative status with ECOSOC. (Economic & Social Council, United Nations.)
1952
Foundation of International governing body of Soroptimist International.
1978
Inauguration of SI South West Pacific Federation. The Founder President was Mary Whitehead.
1984
SI granted Category 1 Consultative status (now General Consultative Status) with ECOSOC.
2013
SIGBI granted Category 2 Special Consultative status with ECOSOC.
2018
SIGBI achieved Charitable Status with the England and Wales Charity Commission.
2020
Inauguration of Africa Federation.
2021
Celebrating 100 years of service. Over 300,000 trees planted worldwide
2022
Onwards to our second Centenary!
To promote either directly or by the encouragement and support of others including Clubs:
- the advancement of education
- the advancement of health and saving lives
- the relief and/or prevention of poverty
- the advancement of good citizenship and community development
- the advancement of human rights (as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent United Nations Conventions and Declarations) throughout the world by all or any of the following means:
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- relieving need among victims of human rights abuse
- research into human rights redress, e.g. modern day slavery
- educating the public about human rights abuse, raising awareness of human rights issues and promoting support for human rights
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- the advancement of equality and diversity
Membership Summary
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Number of Members
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Number of Clubs
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Projects in last 12 months