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CLICK HERE TO DONATEOur Club
SI Costa del Sol was founded in Mijas in November 2006 and has about 20 members of various nationalities (including Spanish!) and ages. The official language of the association is English, which is an exception in the Soroptimist world.
Learn moreOur History
After retiring to Spain Jytte Dam and Bente Lerche Christensen, both veteran Soroptimists from Denmark, were looking for a Soroptimist club on the Costa del Sol, but to their surprise there was none. Together with Soroptimists Ellen de la Reguera and Agnes Schelde they decided to change that.
Learn moreWhat does it mean to be a Soroptimist?
Most of the members of SI Costa del Sol are at least bi-lingual and between them all they speak 11 languages, which is great when travelling abroad or when receiving international Soroptimist guests and visitors. Many of the members live on the Costa del Sol full time. They work here and have been living in Spain for an average of 25 years. What makes a Soroptimist Club strong is the mix of personalities and professions. We have among our members a lawyer, a secretary, a nurse, a dentist, a heart surgeon, a civil servant, an architect, a medical practice manager, a stewardess and a ballet instructor.
Below you can read some testimonials from the members about the joy of belonging to an international organization of professional women.
ALEXA
Domestic Violence Expert
“I’m a Soroptimist because I like being around wise, bold women with fire, purpose, and heart — where empathy and respect are lived values, not just slogans.
It means the world to stand together with these amazing women — and to reach out and help other women rise, reclaim their voice, and walk with power. That, to me, is what life is really about.”
ANETTE
Retired Civil Servant and Artist
“I am a Soroptimist because I feel making a difference helping other women and girls, specially Gender Violence Victims is essential to me, apart from the good teamwork to carry out our many projects and have fun with my fantastic SI sisters.”
AURA
Architect and Landscape Architect
“Through Soroptimist I have the opportunity to meet people involved in local government and work with them shoulder to shoulder in our local projects. What an experience!!!”
BOBBYE
Consular Agent
“I love being a Soroptimist because it reaffirms my belief in our value as women, and our role in passing this on to girls, thus empowering them to be the best they can be.”
CÉLINA
French teacher
“With Soroptimist, I've had the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that empower women, while connecting with inspiring women from diverse cultures and backgrounds. To me, it's all about sisterhood, action and impact!”
CLARA
Commercial engineer, financial advisor
"Soroptimist is a global voice for women. It provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and professional experiences, as well as an opportunity to explore the local community and the outside world and its challenges."
CONNIE
Secretary
“Travelling with Soroptimist is fantastic, making new friends and meeting old ones, not just the trips around Spain, but also worldwide at exciting events in cities like Berlin, Istanbul, Marrakesh or Kuala Lumpur!”
DAPHNE
Registered Nurse
“When I became President of the club in 2007, my mentor was Jytte Dam, such an inspiration, no words but actions that’s the way to go.”
DORIS
Purser
“I became a Soroptimist in 2007 and very much enjoy being part of this organisation that strives for better lives for women all over the world. As one of the older and longstanding members of the Club, I would love to see more younger women join us to continue all the good work we do helping to provide better futures for many.”
ELLEN
Cultural Anthropologist
"Soroptimist International is a wonderful organization, we aim to create a better world, now more than ever…."
GIOVANNA
Dentist, specialised in health services management
"Being a member of Soroptimist allows me to fulfill my dream of belonging to a global organization that helps change the lives of many women on our planet. It also allows me to share my love and concern for the environment. It has taught me that solidarity is sisterhood, and that I can do my part to make this world a little better every day."
KIT
Photographer
“I was a friend of SI for 8 years, impressed with how they achieved to improve the life of local women and fight for equality, now I am proud to be a member.”
LENE
Secretary
“Highlights for me are the international meetings, my first event: the SI Convention in Glasgow in 2007, I was blown away.”
LUCY
Lawyer
“At Soroptimist, I found a diverse group of talented women who, with love and passion work to uphold the dignity, respect, and freedom of women around the world.
I joined Soroptimist to continue supporting these values, just as I did for many years in my home country, Colombia.
I value actions, but beyond that results, and that's what attracts me about Soroptimist.”
MARGOT
Ballet Coach
“In 2018 I became a member of SI Costa del Sol. It gives me great pleasure to support my club sisters in their activities, for examble, organising a charity golf tournament.”
ROSALIE
Teacher and mother of two children
“I love walking in nature and I'm in a theatre club. I also do kickboxing, so be careful!
I'm a Soroptimist because women united get through this world better.”
SOLEDAD
Entrepeneur
"When we reflect on the state of affairs of our world, our planet and our people, the mere thought of the number of places and situations where help is needed can be overwhelming and we feel what that any effort we could make would be wasted, insignificant, meaningfless, on the sight of such vastness… We feel we cannot help everybody and yet... everybody can help somebody; a little help from each of us, together, can go far in improving our world, every little help counts and I joined Soroptimist to be part of that change."
