Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) was formed in 1921 by a group of 80 women in Oakland, California. Soroptimist’s main program, Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women, has disbursed about $30 million to almost 20,000 women since 1972.
Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) works actively to improve the lives of women and girls, holding special consultative status at the United Nations’ ECOSOC, and participatory status at the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby.
Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF) was inaugurated in June 30 2020. The newest member to join Soroptimist International, making the global organisation 5 Federations strong!
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), works at a local, national and international level to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. SIGBI has consultative status at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the United Nations (UN).
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP) currently includes thirteen countries in the Asia Pacific Region.
Soroptimist is a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Approximately 76,000 Soroptimists in over 120 countries and territories support community–based and global projects benefiting women and girls. The organization is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination.
The name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best.
Soroptimist International, headquartered in Cambridge, England, has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations and is a recognized authority on matters that women value most. For complete information on current projects visit www.soroptimistinternational.org. Read Soroptimist International's newsletter, The Global Voice.