WHO ARE WE ?
An international organisation for women.
Soroptimist International
(SI) is the biggest worldwide NGO of higher educated women.
We try to improve the status of women and girls through targeted activities and projects at local, national and international level.
We strive for equal rights and opportunities and the equal representation of women at all levels of decision making in society, basic education and training, peace through international goodwill, understanding and friendship
The name
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'.
The logo
Designed by one of the founder members of the first Club, it is typical of the 1920s.
A young lady encircled by rays of light, framed by oak leaves, symbolising strength and perseverance, and laurel leaves crowning her achievements.
Blue and yellow symbolise the sun and sea of California and are the SI colours.
The Mottoes
- Understand, Defend, Undertake.
- Be a universal voice, a universal vision.
International Service Club
The club is the basic unit of SI. It is the place where members meet to exchange ideas and where projects are planned and implemented.
Service
The concept of service comprises generosity, aid given to others, ranging from a small gesture to a substantial humanitarian project. It includes service at the level of the local community as well as on a national and international scale.
International
Soroptimist International exists in 124 countries all over the world. This international presence increases its influence.
With 3,142 clubs, SI is the most important women’s service organisation in the world.
It is accredited by and represented at the United Nations and some of its entities such as PNUE, UNESCO, UNIFEM, OMS etc.
Soroptimist International Europe is represented at the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby.
Soroptimist International maintains strict neutrality on political and religious issues.
History
| 1921 | the first club founded on 3 October in Oakland (California) |
| 1923-1924 | the first European clubs founded in London and Paris |
| 1927 | Soroptimist International constituted in San Francisco |
| 1928-1930 | US Federation (SI/SIA) and European Federation constituted, the latter by Doctor Suzanne Noël of the Paris club |
| 1934 | Federation of Great Britain and Ireland (SI/SIGBI) constituted |
| 1978 | Pacific Federation (SI/SWP) constituted |
Soroptimist International of Belgium (SIB)
The first club was founded in Antwerp on 12 April 1930.
Brussels followed in 1938.
In 1939 the Belgian Union was founded with Marthe Hirsh of the Antwerp club as President.
Currently there are 57 clubs in Belgium with approximately 1,750 active members.
Photo: Antwerp Club – 1936
