Programs

International Women Associates (IWA) is an educational organization promoting cross-cultural exchange, dialogue, and friendship. Among its activities, it:

Offers at least 18 educational programs each month, including:

  • Language groups (French, German, Polish, and Spanish)
  • Cultural groups (Arabic, Asian, English-Speaking World, European, Hellenic, and Turkish)
  • Activity groups (film discussion, literature, performing arts, gourmet, bridge, golf, and tennis)
  • One Special Event, usually showcasing educational, cultural, and global topics

Conducts educational programs called Culture in a Suitcase at Chicago-area schools Provides hospitality to international visitors participating in private and government-sponsored programs Serves as a community resource in providing language banks, educational assistance, outreach, and VIP support Arranges group tours and discovery field trips in Chicago and Illinois Enables foreign members returning home to serve as goodwill ambassadors for Chicago

Honors exceptional women at two award ceremonies, the Rising Voice of Woman and Woman Extraordinaire


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