Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement
International Women Associates (IWA) is a Chicago educational organization of women from around the world, which promotes cultural exchange, dialogue, and friendship. By creating links among diverse people and other organizations, IWA advocates for global understanding and universal human rights, especially those of women and girls.
Vision Statement
IWA takes every opportunity to ensure the value of different cultures in all parts of Chicago life as a model for international behavior. IWA aims to enhance Chicago’s reputation as an international center.
Chicago’s place as a leading global city is enhanced by its creative use of human resources, particularly its long-term visitors who bring with them talents to be widely shared. The talents of these long-term visitors can be harnessed and organized to expand the world view of nonprofit cultural, educational, and service organizations, government and corporate leaders, and youth in schools.
Through its own expanded educational programs, socialization experiences, and effective collaborations, IWA builds global partnerships that can enhance the quality of life for all Chicagoans who seek to learn from others.
IWA promotes opportunities to support and learn from talented and internationally recognized women in the belief that learning is a lifelong experience, especially in this modern world of total inter-connection.
IWA’s very existence is dedicated to making the world a place where all cultures are better understood and are able to co-exist in harmony.
IWA seeks to be a thought leader among international nongovernmental organizations in Chicago.
Online Reservations for IWA Events
To register for many of our upcoming, exciting events, click HERE to go to the main IWA Event Registration Page.
IWA is proud to announce the 2010 Woman Extraordinaire,
Marjorie Craig Benton
The Woman Extraordinaire Award Committee selected Ms. Benton for her special international work with women and children. A biography of her extensive accomplishments will be included
in the invitation to be sent out in late January.
The committee was motivated in its selection process by the book, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, written by Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Their premise is that “it is the brutality inflicted on so many women and girls around the globe” that is the moral challenge of the 21st century. The committee felt our award recipient should be addressing these vital issues in her work. Ms. Benton, a Chicagoan as the award requires, has spent her life helping others, and in particular, women and children around the world.
Click here for more information and to register for the IWA 2010 Woman Extraordinaire program honoring Marjorie Craig Benton.
Nancy Knapp,
Woman Extraordinaire Chair 2010