The first Soroptimist Club was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, and was quickly followed by other Clubs in North America, than spread to the world. 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".

Soroptimist International (SI) is a Global Voice for Women working through Awareness, Advocacy and Action with over 98,000 members in 121 countries. It is a worldwide organisation, and while it does not support particular political parties or religious groups, SI encourages all members to be aware of and involved in the issues of society which have political implications, take positions of advocacy and to act through its own Programme Focus to influence the legislation and official policies in areas into which the Programme relates. It is through Programme that SI provides service to others in a variety of ways throughout the organisation and encourages its members to be an active influence for positive change in society at local, national and international levels.

Soroptimist International holds General Consultative Status with ECOSOC and has representation at UN centres in New York, Paris, Geneva and Vienna with UN agencies which have granted the organisation recognised status as an international Non Governmental Organisation (NGO). It is also recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).

Soroptimist International is an association of Soroptimist federations of classified service clubs for women. Its purpose is to promote the objects of Soroptimism and to co-operate with inter-governmental and other organisations for the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace.

It is the policy of Soroptimist International to be concerned with international and national issues that relate to its objects and programmes. On matters of political controversy between nations, of party politics and of sectarian religion, SI maintains a position of strict neutrality.

Every year, to mark Soroptimist International Day, December 10 (Human Rights Day), the International President invites all members to join her in making a personal sacrifice and donating the money to an International Fund to be used to help women in extreme poverty.

The Soroptimists Federations are:

SI/A - Soroptimist International of the Americas

SI/E - Soroptimist International of Europe

SI/GBI - Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland

SI/SWP - Soroptimist International of Southwest Pacific