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About us
Soroptimists improve the lives of women and girls in more than 40 countries
We are an NGO holding general consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status at the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby.
Soroptimists are professional women united by a shared mission: to educate, empower, and enable women and girls to improve their lives. Working at local, national, and international levels, we transform our commitment into meaningful awareness, advocacy and action.
Since the founding of Soroptimist International in 1921, Soroptimists have championed the rights of women and girls across the globe. Today, we are a vibrant international network of around 65,000 members who are powerful advocates for gender equality and social change. Every year, our members initiate, support, and implement thousands of projects, investing millions of euros to create real, lasting change in the lives of 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.
Objectives
The objectives of Soroptimist are to strive for:
- The advancement of the status of women
- High ethical standards
- Human rights for all
- Equity and peace through the advancement of international understanding and goodwill
- Sustainable development
Our history
The Soroptimist journey began in 1921, when the first club was founded in Oakland, California. From the start, the organisation set out to build a powerful, diverse network of women representing different occupations, to foster a spirit of service and to encourage and uphold high ethical standards in business and professions.
Just a few years later, in 1924, the visionary French plastic surgeon Dr Suzanne Noël established the first Soroptimist club in Paris, France. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, she went on to inspire the creation of clubs across Continental Europe and became the first President of the European Federation, which was established in 1928.
Today, Soroptimist International of Europe proudly carries forward this legacy—uniting thousands of women across borders to create a lasting impact.
