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Who We Are

Who We Are

Ask Me Why I'm A Soroptimist Infographic Final

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 6000 Members in 270 Clubs in 18 countries in Great Britain, Ireland and countries in Asia, the Caribbean and Malta, who work at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. Search for your nearest Club now.

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.

Our Team

The Board consists of 7 elected Members who manage and oversee the organisation. We also have a team of staff based in Stockport who provide support to Members.

View details of the Federation Management Board

Our Programme Team are elected Members who provide expertise in the six key areas of our work; Advocacy, Economic Empowerment, Education, Environmental Sustainability, Food Security and Health Care and Violence and Conflict Resolution.

View details of the Programme Team

Find out more about our projects in these areas

Join us

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.

Latest News

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Global Voice Newsletter

The September 2024 issue of Global Voice is now available. In this issue of Global…