Institutional Member: Soroptimist International

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Soroptimist International (SI) is the largest classified women’s service organisation for professional and business women. The name ‘Soroptimist’ was coined from the Latin term ‘soror’ meaning sister, and ‘optima’ meaning best. ‘Soroptimist’ could perhaps be interpreted as 'the best for women'. The first club was founded in 1921 in Oakland, California and currently the organisation reaches 86,000 members across 3000 clubs in 125 countries. SI is committed to a world where women and girls strive to achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities. Soroptimists educates, empowers and enables women and girls to transform their lives through a global network of members and partnerships at local, national and international levels. SI holds a General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council and maintains a network of permanent representatives at all of the major UN centres. SI’s experience with 'on the ground' projects all over the world drives the organisation’s advocacy and lobbying efforts within the international community. To find out more about Soroptimist International, visit their website