What Does “Soroptimist” Mean?
The name Soroptimist was coined from two Latin words: soror, meaning sister, and optima, meaning the best. Together, they express the organisation's enduring aspiration — “the best for women.”
For over a century, this name has guided the movement across more than 3,000 clubs in over 120 countries — from Oakland to London, from Sydney to Dhaka.
In Bangladesh, Soroptimist represents the bond of sisterhood shared by professional women who believe in a world where every woman can achieve her best — regardless of background, religion, or circumstance.
A Century of Milestones
First Soroptimist club established in Oakland, California. Violet Richardson Ward serves as Founder President. The name is coined from Latin — soror (sister) + optima (best).
The London club is chartered with Viscountess Falmouth as Founder President. Suzanne Nöel establishes the Paris club, extending the movement to Continental Europe.
American and European Federations established. The Soroptimist International Association is officially created, providing a global governance structure.
Soroptimist International is awarded Consultative Status with UNESCO, giving the movement an international advocacy platform.
ECOSOC Category C Consultative Status granted by the United Nations — a significant milestone for global advocacy work.
South West Pacific Federation inaugurated. The movement continues to grow across Asia, reaching new communities of professional women.
Soroptimist International achieves General Consultative Status with ECOSOC — the highest UN category, enabling greater influence at global forums.
SIGBI receives Category 2 Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC, strengthening the voice for women's rights at the United Nations.
The Africa Federation is inaugurated, completing the expansion of Soroptimist International to all inhabited continents of the world.
Soroptimist in Bangladesh
From humble beginnings in Dhaka to a nationwide movement spanning all 64 districts — our Bangladesh chapter has grown steadily since 2009.
A small group of professional women in Dhaka, inspired by the global Soroptimist movement, begin exploring the formation of a Bangladesh chapter.
Soroptimist Bangladesh is officially established. The inaugural club in Dhaka brings together 30 founding members committed to advancing women's rights.
Launch of our first national education scholarship programme, awarding support to 25 girls from underprivileged backgrounds across three divisions.
The first national Soroptimist Bangladesh conference is held in Dhaka, with representatives from 20+ clubs across the country attending.
Launch of the nationwide maternal health awareness campaign, reaching over 10,000 women in rural communities across five divisions.
Soroptimist Bangladesh mobilises emergency relief during COVID-19, distributing aid to vulnerable women and girl-led households in 12 districts.
Partnership with technology organisations to provide digital skills training to 2,000+ women in semi-urban and rural areas.
Soroptimist Bangladesh achieves presence across all 64 districts, with 50+ active clubs and a growing network of members and volunteers.