Founed in 1921, Soroptimist ("best for women") is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Through their General (Category One) Consultative Status as a non-governmental organization at the United Nations, the organization claims to seek equality, peace, and international goodwill. The official aim of the organization is to improve professional skills and to support human rights, specifically women's rights.