Events

International Women Associates (IWA) sponsors the following special events throughout the year, which are open to the public:

Woman Extraordinaire Begun in 1996, this annual award is presented to a distinguished Chicago-area woman, who has made an outstanding contribution in her field and in the international arena. The 2009 honoree was Tammy Duckworth, who recently nominated by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Duckworth is the prior director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and an Iraq War veteran whose severe combat wounds cost her both of her legs and damaged her right arm.

Rising Voice of Woman Begun in 2005, this award:

Seeks to increase awareness of the work done by women around the world to benefit society and inspire constructive action
The award was established to honor the memory of eight IWA members killed in a bus accident as they were returning from an IWA cultural excursion on October 1, 2003.
The 2008 recipient was Molly Melching, founder and Executive Director of Senegal-based Tostan, a non-governmental organization dedicated to community education and empowerment in several African countries. It is perhaps best known for virtually ending female genital cutting and forced child marriage in the area.
Recognizes the desirability and necessity of including women as partners in decision-making endeavors of humankind
Helps to increase knowledge of specific opportunities and programs for support and participation of women within and outside IWA

Annual Gala and Auction This fund-raising event features international entertainment, dining, dancing, and silent and live auctions of items for the home, travel, education, and cultural events.