Who we are: Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement. We commit to a world where women and girls together, achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. There are around 400 Soroptimists in Yorkshire and 17 clubs
72,000 Soroptimists Worldwide
There are nearly 72,000 Soroptimists worldwide, the majority of whom belong to their local Club, where they can make friends with like-minded women, have fun and work on projects that help improve the lives of women and girls locally, nationally and internationally.
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) also offers Associate Membership, for busy women who believe in what we do but do not have the time to get involved in Club activities.
Soroptimist International (SI) and SIGBI both have consultative status at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations (UN), which gives us a voice on important discussion papers, and allows us to attend the Commission on the Status of Women in New York each March, and contribute to the “Agreed Conclusions”. This status would not be possible without the fantastic work being done by our Members.
Join Us and help us to Make That Difference to Women and Girls worldwide.
The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best and 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.