Soroptimist International Malta (SI MALTA) is a non-profit making organisation whose mission is to further the interests of women and children. Chartered in 1993, SI Malta has over the years liaised with different local charities in line with its mission to Educate, Empower and Enable. Besides locally, SI Malta contributes financially to help overseas projects that are carried out all over the World.

There are four Soroptimist Federations around the World:
Soroptimist of Great Britain and Ireland
Soroptimist International of South Pacific
Soroptimist International of Europe
Soroptimist International of the Americas

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’. From the founding of the first Soroptimist club in Oakland, California, in 1921, through to the present day where over 3000 clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve ‘the best for women’ in every sphere of their lives.
Worldwide, women continue to contribute to social, economic, cultural and political achievement. When talking about human rights – our world will never reach its potential without partnerships – women and men, boys and girls – working together for gender equality. Together we can make it happen.
We need to visualise a world:
·         Where equal work provides equal pay
·         Where respect in the home, at work, and in the community provides a
violence free world
·         Where education is freely available for both girls and boys
·         Where legislation protects human dignity of all

Although in Malta, we take most of this for granted, there are many who still suffer. Locally, there are still women and children who suffer abuse and violence in their own homes. Awareness is increasing but it is not easy to find the empowerment to find the courage to stand up for such situations. Local NGOs have done a lot to help such families but there is only so much that can be done with limited funds and resources .
The member states of the United Nations have embraced the Sustainable Development Goals – let civil society, and the corporate world work with governments to ensure we do meet our mutual goal of 50:50 by 2030. Soroptimist Clubs all over the world are propagating these goals in order to increase awareness and encourage more women (and therefore more families) to increase participation in these sustainable goal developments. Global warming has become a reality that we can no longer ignore and it is imperative that each and every individual develops a personal responsibility towards improving the sustainable lifestyles.
Women can be change agents too – and it is imperative to have women in leadership positions so they can empower their communities. Education is the key. Education empowers women with new skills and new hope for economic independence. It provides the confidence and ability to stand strong and be partners with men to lead the future. The situation needs our long term commitment to make this difference.
Many Soroptimists have pledged their support, raising funds and awareness of the need to empower women and girls through education: Empower them to move out of poverty, to move away from vulnerability, and to lead towards a better life. .
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states it is a human right to be born free and equal in dignity and rights (Article 1). No one shall be held in slavery or servitude (Article 4).  Everyone has the right to education (Article 26). Everyone has the right to work (Article 23)”.
“Two things are clear to us in the midst of the bewilderment and distress of these present days. One is that, as a group of women whose aim is the furthering of international understanding, we must stick together and keep in active working order our Soroptimist organisation, the value of which is greater than ever before. The other is that when we emerge from this nightmare and the struggle is over we must be stronger than ever to see that all our influence is case on the side of a just and lasting peace.”
If you are interested in our organisation, we invite you to contact the Secretary, Victoria Darmanin on soroptimistinternationalmalta@gmail.com
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