About Us
The International Women’s Forum (IWF) is an invitation-only network of the most accomplished women in the world. We connect women leaders across every professional sector in support of each other and the common mission of advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide. Established in New York City in 1974, today IWF is comprised of over 7,500 preeminent women leaders in 33 countries and 73 local Forums. IWF is the only organization of this scale that builds significant relationships between C-level women across countries and careers. Our members are inventors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, heads of state, academics, scientists, astronauts, Olympic athletes, artists, filmmakers, financiers, philanthropists, and more.
Our Mission
Advancing Women’s Leadership.
Championing Equality Worldwide
Every member of IWF has a demonstrated commitment to our unifying mission: advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide. Together we are shaping a future in which leadership has no gender and the next generation is inspired and equipped to transform the world.
Why We Exist
The International Women’s Forum (IWF) was launched in New York City in 1974 when the first generation of women leaders was breaking the glass ceiling in professional sectors from finance to fine arts. Forum founders lacked access to “the old boys club” so the new women’s network was born – to provide professional and personal support to aid each other’s success and inspire women who follow.
Women supporting women is just as vital today as the challenges we face call for a new era of leadership. Women remain underrepresented in the c-suite, on corporate boards, at the top of academia, law, finance, science, technology, media and health sectors and the creative arts and receive a fraction of venture capital awarded to male-led enterprise.
Connect With Other Global Leaders
IWF connects women leaders across every professional sector in support of each other and the common mission of advancing women’s leadership and championing equality worldwide. Our Member Roster is a comprehensive directory of our members, updated constantly to ensure you have everything you need to engage with our community and make the most of your IWF experience.