What does Soroptimist mean?
The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best.
Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as ‘the best for women’. From the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921, through to the present day where over 3000 Clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve ‘the best for women’ in every sphere of their lives.
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement working together to transform the lives of women and girls with nearly 80,000 Members in 124 countries.
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has 8000 Members in 350 Clubs in 28 countries including Great Britain, Ireland and countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Malta, who work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls.
Vision
Women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Mission
Soroptimists transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.
Principles
The principles of Soroptimism are to strive for:
- The advancement of the status of women;
- High ethical standards;
- Human rights for all;
- Equality, development and peace; and
- The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace
Join us today and you will belong to an organisation of women working to improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.
Make a difference
