SOROPTIMIST - a complex-sounding word with a very simple meaning - female empowerment.

The organisation's goal is to empower women and girls to improve their lives at a local, national and international level.

There are 80,000 members in Soroptimist societies worldwide and Ipswich asked local women to help increase that number on Saturday as part of International Women's Open Day.

The open day was held at the Humanities Building and attracted women from across the city.

"The Ipswich branch was recently established and works together on projects to help the local community as well as women in need internationally," Soroptimist International south-east Queensland extension officer Bev Ditton said.

Women are invited to join the Ipswich branch.

"Most women say they find it empowering," Mrs Ditton said.

"One person can do a little but a group of people can do so much more to make a difference to the community."