Soroptimist International

Soroptimist International
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Name	Soroptimist International
Formation	1921
Founder	Vivienne Riddle, Etta Wheeler, Alice B. France
Type	Service club
Headquarters	Cambridge
Location	United Kingdom
Region	Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas
Membership	Over 75,000
Leader	Sharon Fisher

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. Founded in 1921 by Vivienne Riddle, Etta Wheeler, and Alice B. France in Oakland, California, the organization has grown to include over 75,000 members in more than 120 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States. Soroptimist International is affiliated with the United Nations and has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The organization also collaborates with other international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.

● History

Soroptimist International was founded on October 3, 1921, by a group of 80 women in Oakland, California, who were inspired by the Rotary Club and the Lions Club. The first club was established with the help of Vivienne Riddle, Etta Wheeler, and Alice B. France, and was initially called the Soroptimist Club of Oakland. The organization quickly grew, and by 1924, there were already 30 clubs in the United States and Canada. In 1928, the first international convention was held in Chicago, and the organization was officially renamed Soroptimist International. The organization has since expanded to include clubs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with notable members including Malala Yousafzai, Angela Merkel, Michelle Obama, Nelson Mandela, and Kofi Annan.

● Organization

Soroptimist International is a federation of autonomous clubs, each with its own board of directors and leadership. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from each of the organization's five Federations: Soroptimist International of the Americas, Soroptimist International of Europe, Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific, and Soroptimist International of Africa. The organization also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as human rights, women's empowerment, and sustainable development. Partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Oxfam, and the International Rescue Committee have enabled the organization to expand its reach and impact.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of Soroptimist International is to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and enabling opportunities. The organization's objectives include promoting women's rights, gender equality, and social justice, as well as providing support for education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs. Soroptimist International also works to promote peace and conflict resolution, and to support refugees and displaced persons. The organization has been recognized for its efforts by the Nobel Peace Prize, the United Nations Foundation, and the European Union. Notable supporters include Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

● Programs_and_Projects

Soroptimist International has a number of programs and projects that focus on specific issues, such as human trafficking, domestic violence, and climate change. The organization's Live Your Dream Award provides financial support to women who are pursuing higher education or vocational training, while the Dream It, Be It program provides mentoring and support to girls and young women. Soroptimist International also has a number of partnerships with other organizations, including the UN Women, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. The organization has worked with celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Bono, and Oprah Winfrey to raise awareness and funds for its programs.

● Membership_and_Structure

Soroptimist International has over 75,000 members in more than 120 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam. The organization is structured into five Federations, each of which has its own leadership and governance structure. Members of Soroptimist International are women who are committed to the organization's mission and objectives, and who are willing to volunteer their time and energy to support the organization's programs and projects. Notable members include Hillary Clinton, Jacinda Ardern, Justin Trudeau, and Emmanuel Macron.

● Notable_Members_and_Achievements

Soroptimist International has a number of notable members and achievements, including Nobel Peace Prize winners like Malala Yousafzai and Wangari Maathai. The organization has also been recognized for its work on issues like human rights, women's empowerment, and sustainable development, and has received awards from organizations like the United Nations Foundation and the European Union. Soroptimist International has also been recognized for its partnerships with other organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Oxfam, and the International Rescue Committee. The organization has worked with institutions like the Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Oxford to advance its mission and objectives. Category:Service clubs