Organisation > International organisation and in the Netherlands

In 1921 Soroptimism starts in the United States, Europe follows in 1924 with club Paris in France. In the Netherlands club 's-Gravenhage (The Hague) is founded in 1927. In 1928 club Noord-Holland (around Amsterdam) follows. From January 29th 1928 these two clubs form the National Board of Soroptimistclubs in the Netherlands.  

Now Soroptimism in the Netherland has grown, there are clubs all over the country. There is also a club in Paramaribo (Suriname) and Curaçao (the Dutch Antilles). Together these clubs form an 'Unie' (Union): Unie van de Soroptimistclubs in Nederland, Suriname en de Nederlandse Antillen (Union of the Soroptimistclubs in the Netherlands, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles).

Central in the organisation is the Soroptimistclub. In a town, village or region some 20 to 40 women form a unity. Together they work in projects, together they strive after the aims of Soroptimism, but also, together they have a lot of friendship.

The Union of the Soroptimistclubs in the Netherlands, Suriname and the Dutch Antilles is part of of the Federation Soroptimist International of Europe; which in its turn again is part of Soroptimist International (SI).

SI is a world wide organisation, divided into four regional Federations:

• Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA)
• Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE)
• Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI)
• Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific (SISWP)