Soroptimist International Vision
Soroptimist International is a vibrant, dynamic organisation for today's professional and business women. We are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Soroptimist International Mission
Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create op
portunities to transform the lives of women and girls by:
advocating for equity and equality
creating safe & healthy environments
increasing access to education
developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future
International Relations
Soroptimist International: in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council, United Nations (ECOSOC);
Operational Relations with the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation (UNESCO);
Special List of the International Labour Organisation (ILO); Official Relations with the World Health Organisation (WHO);
Official Relations with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO);
Consultative Status with the United Nations Industrial Developments Organisation (UNIDO);
Accredited to the Commonwealth as a Civil Society Organisation.
United Nations
Soroptimist members serve as representatives at five major UN centres and several UN Regional Commissions. These volunteers work on many UN NGO committees which deal with issues important to women and address human rights inequities. Additionally, many Soroptimists have been active participants at United Nations NGO sessions and meetings since 1948, serving as delegates as well as organising and presenting panels and workshops on a wide variety of gender issues.
Making a Difference to Women & Girls
SI is committed to improving the lives of women and girls. Soroptimists work in partnership with governments, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and through the media to raise awareness and advocate
for human rights. Soroptimists also monitor actions in relation to the rights of women and girls and work with local communities around the world to implement practical initiatives in support of our principal aims.
Members' advocacy and project work around the world is recorded on
to a central Headquarters database.
The organisation's strong commitment to improving human rights is demonstrated by the fact that 33% of all Soroptimist activities are
carried out in this field.
As a regular participant in DPI/NGO Conferences, Soroptimist International was proud to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the 61st DPI/NGO Conference hosted by UNESCO:
'REAFFIRMING HUMAN RIGHTS FOR ALL: The Universal Declaration at 60'
SI is committed to continue to support the principles in the Declaration, ensure that all peoples enjoy equal opportunity and dignity and be a 'Global Voice For Women'.
Awareness, Advocacy, Action
Soroptimist International has 90,000 members in over 3,000 clubs in 124 countries and territories.
Each member works 'on the ground' in her own club to accomplish local and global goals, many of them related to human rights.
Soroptimists work through AWARENESS, ADVOCACY and ACTION projects, often with effective partnerships to improve the lives of women and girls that impact their communities, state, region and countries.
Restoring Dignity
On Human Rights Day - December 10th, Soroptimists conduct a special appeal to help women and girls/children in extreme poverty. The current Appeal 'Restoring Dignity' is in Ethiopia where Soroptimists partnered with Hamlin Fistula Relief & Aid Fund to support the work of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.
In some societies obstetric fistula makes women unacceptable. The money that is raised will go to the Desta Mender Village to support those who cannot be completely cured, need ongoing medical care and training toward self sufficiency.
'Restoring Dignity' will encourage independence and improve the morale and self esteem of permanent residents of the self-help village.
Millennium Development Goals
Every four years Soroptimist International (SI) adopts a special 4-year project with an NGO partner 'in the field', that focuses on an issue from our SI goals related to a human rights concern.
1999-2003 'Limbs for Life'- Rehabilitated land mine victims in three countries in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
2003-2007 'Project Independence: Women Survivors of War' - partnered with Women for Women International to support women to be self sufficient and active citizens.
2007 - 2011 'Project Sierra: A Family and a Future'
- partnered with Hope and Homes for Children, a UK based charity, to strengthen broken communities and homes in Sierra Leone and educate women and children.
Promoting Human Rights
Soroptimists have created and supported Human Rights projects in partnership. One such example promoted by SI globally is the UNIFEM 'Say NO to Violence Against Women' campaign of 2007/2008.
Another human rights issue that has captured the attention of Soroptimists around the world is the issue of human trafficking and sexual slavery. Examples include: USA, a widespread publicity campaign was launched on 11th January 2008 throughout the country on the first National Human Trafficking Awareness day.
In the UK, Soroptimists in Yorkshire have promoted awareness of human trafficking for three years. In 2007 they lobbied their government and conducted a Stop the Traffick March.
Soroptimists in Denmark have been promoting awareness of human trafficking for several years with very effective, provocative publicity and
a purple ribbon campaign.
Soroptimists in Australia and America have recently begun to promote the film 'The Jammed' which exposes human trafficking.