The objectives of the International Council of Women

The International Council of Women’s main objective is to unite National Councils of women worldwide.

Main objectives of the ICW

The main objectives are:

  • 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.

Our Triennial Theme 2025–2028 is “Women’s Empowerment & Leadership:a Quantum Leap for Peace, Progress and Equality.”

This new theme, adopted at the 2025 General Assembly in Marrakech, reaffirms our ambition to accelerate transformative change for women and girls worldwide. It builds on a strong legacy of action:

  • “Women’s Empowerment: Peace and Sustainable Development” (2022–2025).
  • “Social Protection for All Women and Girls: Sustainable Development for the World” (2018–2021).
  • “Transforming Society through the Empowerment of Women” (2015–2018).

To achieve the goals of the 2025–2028 triennium, we strengthen our collaboration with our National Councils, Advisors, Coordinators, and UN Representatives. Together, we work to amplify women’s voices, shape global policy, and drive measurable progress.

Our Advisors and Coordinators

Advisors and Coordinators are elected by the ICW-CIF General Assembly upon nomination from their National Councils. As full members of ICW-CIF, they contribute to the organization’s international mandate by providing expertise across a wide range of policy areas, including women’s rights, sustainable development, education, health, communication, social issues, and environmental challenges.

Their responsibilities include:

  • Collecting and synthesizing key information from affiliated National Councils,
  • Supporting ICW-CIF in defining strategic priorities and action plans,
  • Providing essential insights to ICW-CIF Permanent Representatives within the United Nations system.

With 25 Standing Committees, our Advisors and Coordinators ensure that ICW-CIF remains at the forefront of global advocacy for women’s empowerment and equality. Their work strengthens our capacity to address major issues such as gender-based violence, discrimination, access to healthcare, social protection, education, and family welfare.

Our Representatives to the UN

ICW-CIF’s Permanent Representatives act as the organization’s official voice within the United Nations system and other international bodies where we hold consultative status. They play a strategic role in promoting ICW-CIF’s positions, supporting global dialogue, and contributing to policy development on women’s rights and gender equality.

ICW-CIF maintains accredited representation in the following UN bodies and agencies:

  • United Nations Headquarters – New York
  • UN Geneva
  • UN Vienna
  • UNESCO
  • UNICEF
  • FAO
  • UN ESCAP
  • UNIDO
  • UN ECE
  • …

Through this global presence, ICW-CIF ensures that the perspectives, priorities, and rights of women and girls are consistently represented and advanced at the highest levels of international decision-making.

Our Partners