PRESS RELEASE
Women’s Organisation Recognised by UN
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has been awarded UN Special Consultative Status
The women’s organisation, Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) is proud to announce that the work of its members has been recognised by the award of Special Consultative Statuswith the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN
ECOSOC). Volunteer members of Soroptimist Clubs work on thousands of projects that transform the lives of women and girls globally, nationally and locally.
Pat Black, SIGBI President said “We are delighted. This will enableus to enhance Soroptimists work with UN agencies and contribute further to the push for recognition of the human rights for all women.”
Soroptimist International (SI), the umbrella organisation, has held General UN Consultative status since 1984. TheFederation of Soroptimist International Europe (SIE) hasheld Special UN Consultative status since 2011.
Consultative status provides non-governmental organisations (NGOs) withaccess to not only ECOSOC, but also to its many subsidiary bodies, as well asspecial events organised by the President of the General Assembly (for exampleCSW the Commission on the Status of Women).
Soroptimists are recognised by the UN for the work that is carried out by its members from
around the world. SI, SIE and SIGBI are all required to submit a quadrennial report
to ECOSOC every four years showing the organisations’ contribution to the work
of the UN e.g. towards the Millennium Development Goals and beyond.
Notes to Editors
- Web addresses:
- Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI)
- Soroptimist International
– United Nations
- United Nations Economic and Social Council
- United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
2. Soroptimist International(SI) is a leading global women's voluntary organisation. Ithas close to 90,000 members in more than 3,000 Clubsin over 100 countries around the world.SI Headquarters are in Cambridge, UK.
3.The Federation of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has over 8,000 members in more than 350 clubs in 29 countries including the British Isles, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Malta. SIGBI Headquarters are in Stockport, UK.
4. Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships. Soroptimistsare committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide.
5. Soroptimists focus on transforming the lives of women and girls, locally, nationally and globally, through education, empowerment and enabling initiatives. Soroptimists make a difference to the lives of an estimated half a million women and girls in the world every year.
6. Soroptimist International has consultative status at the United Nations and is a recognised Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) representing women from all over the world.
7. For more information about Soroptimist International, or this Press Release, please contactSoroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) on 0161 480 7686, ebsite Jane Slatter, SIGBI Director of Communications, 0783 4345796 or
Soroptimist International Great Britain
Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Limited, Company Number 07058666