Soroptimism started with the establishment of the first club in Oakland, USA, on October 3, 1923. Today, Soroptimists, members of Soroptimist International a global volunteer movement, work together within a network of around 66,000 club members in 118 countries to achieve gender equality,development, peace and to empower and enable opportunities for women and girls. The organization has representatives in the United Nations and holds consultative status.
Soroptimist International of Europe also holds general consultative status at the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), participatory status at the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby and to contribute to the work of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). These representations are an important indicator that this powerful women”s organization has a very effective role in advocating the women”s rights.
Our Great Leader Mustafa Kemal ATATÜRK”s statement “everything we see around the world is the work of women” is a torch for us. We are aware of our value as women and what we can achieve.
The first Turkish Soroptimist Club was established 75 years ago.We celebrated the 47th anniversary of Göztepe Club on October 23, 2023. We wish to celebrate many more anniversaries together accomplishing many productive works.
It is a great privilege to be able to live in this large-scale friendship universe consisting of women who embrace the ideals of Soroptimism, work diligently for these ideals, and have ethical values. We are grateful to the women all over the world who have contributed to Soroptimism. But first of all, we respectfully commemorate the Founding President of the first Turkish club Müfide Ferit Tek, who enabled opportunity for the Turkish women to become Soroptimists, founding members and all Soroptimists who have passed away.
We would like to express our endless gratitude to our Club”s Founding President Ahsen Önder and our Founding Members Bergün Kardeş, Ayten Tekişalp, Emine Nalbantgil, who have been with us for 47 years. Being as role models they are still active members spreading synergy with their contributions. We also would like to express our gratitude to all our members who have worked hard since the establishment.
Soroptimism friendship becomes an indispensable value for the woman who once feels it deep inside her heart. We are pleased and honored to be a part of this. Soroptimism will continue to exist for many years by flourishing these feelings to future generations.
We are announcing all together the Union President’s appeal;
PURSUING LIGHT, WE ARE WALKING TOWARD THE FUTURE!
Nazlı Yolaç
President 2023 – 2025
