About the International Council of Women
The International Council of Women (ICW) is the pioneering global women’s NGO—mobilizing women’s voices across continents, driving bold action, and championing human rights for women and girls everywhere.
Who we are
The story of ICW began in 1888, when trailblazing women leaders came together in Washington, D.C. for a historic gathering.
With 80 speakers and 49 delegates representing 53 organizations from nine countries, this global meeting united women from professional networks, trade unions, arts communities, and charitable groups.
Their shared vision sparked the world’s first international movement for women’s rights—and ICW was born.
For more than 135 years, ICW has been a catalyst for global change.
We were at the table when the United Nations was created, insisting that women’s equal rights be written into the UN Charter and championing the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women. We actively shaped milestones such as the International Women’s Year (1975), the UN Decade for Women, and the Beijing Platform for Action.
Today, ICW continues to amplify women’s voices and accelerate progress worldwide.
Through our network of National Councils, we work to expand education and skills, defend human rights, strengthen leadership, and improve the daily lives of women and girls across communities and cultures.
We are united by purpose, driven by action, and committed to building a fairer, safer, and more inclusive world for every woman and girl.
Our actions
The International Council of Women empowers women through a range of projects and programs designed to help women to help themselves in practical actions including:
- Equal rights and responsibilities for women and men
- Peace and understanding through international co-operation, negotiation and reconciliation
- The fuller integration of women as decision-makers in peace-making and peace building efforts
- Human rights for all people
- The elimination of all forms of discrimination
- Sustainable development
- Communication and networking worldwide
The International Council of Women takes action through seminars and workshops to develop skills:
- Equal rights and responsibilities for women and men
- Peace and understanding through international co-operation, negotiation and reconciliation
- The fuller integration of women as decision-makers in peace-making and peace building efforts
- Human rights for all people
- The elimination of all forms of discrimination
- Sustainable development
- Communication and networking worldwide
ICW-CIF in figures
Our history
The International Council of Women is the first truly global women’s NGO which was founded in 1888 for the advancement of women all over the world.
Our objectives
The International Council of Women’s main objective is to unite National Councils of women worldwide in common pursuit of Equal rights and responsibilities for women and men, Peace and understanding through international co-operation, negotiation and reconciliation…
Our Team
The International Council of Women elects board members as well as standing committee members, our advisors.
During the 36th General Assembly in Avignon, we elected our board for the 2022-2025 term.
Our Partners
