SOROPTIMIST
[suh-rop-tuh-mist]

1. Our Global Story - Soroptimist International

In the early 20th century, women were barred from joining service organizations like Rotary or Optimist clubs. In 1921, a group of 80 professional women in Oakland, California, led by Violet Richardson, decided to change that. They founded Soroptimist International — the world’s first global volunteer service organization for women in business and the professions.

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A Bold Beginning

From the start, Soroptimists weren’t afraid to take on big challenges. Their first project, “Save the Redwoods”, fought to protect California’s ancient forests from logging. By lobbying legislators and rallying public support, they succeeded, and a portion of the redwoods remains protected today as the Soroptimist Memorial Grove.

 

Global Expansion

• 1924 – Dr. Suzanne Nöel, a trailblazing surgeon and advocate for women’s rights, founded the first Soroptimist club in Paris, marking the organization’s expansion beyond the U.S.

• 1928 – The Soroptimist International Association was formed, connecting clubs in the U.S. and Europe and setting the stage for a global network.

• By the 1930s and 1940s, Soroptimist clubs were active on multiple continents, from Europe to Australia.

• Today, Soroptimist International spans over 120 countries and territories, uniting more than 72,000 members under one vision: a world where women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.

 

Five Federations

1. Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA)

• Covers: North America, Central & South America, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines

• Headquartered: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

• Focus: Education and economic empowerment through Live Your Dream and Dream It, Be It programs

• Represents: 25,000+ members in over 1,200 clubs

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2. Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE)

• Covers: Europe, Middle East, and parts of Africa

• Headquartered: Geneva, Switzerland

• Focus: Human rights, education, and sustainable development

• Represents: 33,000+ members in over 1,200 clubs

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3. Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI)

• Covers: Great Britain, Ireland, Africa, the Caribbean, and South Asia

• Headquartered: Cheshire, England

• Focus: Advocacy for gender equality, education, and health

• Represents: 6,000+ members in over 250 clubs

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4. Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP)

• Covers: South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands

• Headquartered: Sydney, Australia

• Focus: Education, disaster response, and environmental sustainability

• Represents: 4,000+ members in over 120 clubs

 

5. Soroptimist International Africa (SIAF)

• Covers: Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Northern Africa, Southern Africa and Western Africa

• Headquartered: Lagos State, Nigeria

• Focus: Education, economic empowerment, and rural development initiatives

• Represents: 1,880+ members in over 112 clubs

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World War II Legacy

When WWII broke out in 1939, many Soroptimist clubs in Europe were forced to close or operate in secrecy. Members risked their lives to continue meeting, aid refugees, and resist Nazi oppression.

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• In Kaunas, Lithuania, most members were killed or deported.

• In Belgium, founding club president Marthe Hirsch took her own life to avoid arrest by the Gestapo.

• In Austria, two-thirds of members fled Nazi persecution, and member Rose Silberer perished at Theresienstadt concentration camp.​

Yet, even in wartime, Soroptimists acted:

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• Clubs in Britain and Ireland organized rescue missions for members in occupied territories.

• Soroptimists in the Americas collected funds, clothing, and supplies for refugees and soldiers.

• Founder Pennies tradition began — members contributed one penny for each year since Soroptimist’s founding to help rebuild clubs after the war.

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A Permanent Voice at the United Nations

After the war, Soroptimist International secured a lasting place in global advocacy:

• 1948 – Consultative status with UNESCO

• 1950 – Consultative status with United Nations ECOSOC

• 1966 – Consultative status with UNICEF

• 1975 – Participation in the First UN World Conference on Women in Mexico City

• 1984 – Awarded General Consultative Status with ECOSOC, the highest level an NGO can achieve

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Today, Soroptimists have UN representatives in New York, Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and Paris, advocating on issues like gender equality, education, human rights, and sustainable development.