Our Work and Impact
How We Do It
Our years of experience working with women and girls has taught us that education is the key to unlocking economic empowerment of the world’s women and girls. When women and girls are educated, they have opportunity, choice and power to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.
Our Dream Programs are primarily delivered locally by our clubs and members in 21 countries and territories. They provide the muscle and on-the-ground work that make our programs come alive.
Increased Collective Impact
Soroptimist has a Big Goal of Increased Collective Impact. That means we make a cohesive effort throughout the SIA members, clubs regions, board and staff to make a substantial and measureable difference in the lives of women and girls. It is about our organization all working together on the same programs with the same goals. Our brand is communicated through our Dream Programs. When clubs participate in and publicize the Dream Programs, it helps solidify our brand image as an organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Live Your Dream: Education & Training Awards for Women
Our signature program has provided cash awards to more than 30,000 women since it’s inception in 1972- empowering them to achieve economic independence. We annually distribute more than $2 million dollars in education grants to about 1500 women throughout the world. Over half of the women who receive this award are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction.
Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls
Our Dream it Be it: Career Support for Girls program empowers girls to break the cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse by giving them the self confidence and knowledge they need to achieve success in their future careers and personal lives.