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The Independent Women's Forum (IWF) believes the long-term security of the United States depends upon the successful achievement of two goals:

  • Winning the war on terrorism abroad as well as being capable of defending against threats and attacks at home; and
  • Fostering respect for American ideals-limited government, democracy, economic liberty, and human rights including women's rights.

To that end, IWF's international and foreign policy program seeks to advance the full economic, political and legal participation of women in emerging democracies and across the globe by promoting individual rights, equal rights for women and minorities, religious freedom, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and respect for private property.

IWF activities work to build awareness and capacity domestically and internationally in the hope that all women may enjoy the same opportunities that American women do. By advancing women's rights and civil society in fragile states and post-conflict environments, IWF's efforts on behalf of women also enhance national and global security.

Over the past five years, IWF has developed working relationships with internationally recognized organizations and the U.S. Department of State to promote women's human rights globally. IWF has worked closely with pro-democracy Iraqi women leaders through its Iraqi Women's Educational Institute (IWEI) and has developed extensive training programs related to the universal principles of democracy, women's human rights, and NGO capacity building. Additionally, IWF has hosted international delegations of women leaders, ministers, and members of parliament for training on topics such as free markets, entrepreneurship, legal reform, and constitutional development. IWF scholars are frequent speakers before delegations of women visiting the United States.

Selected Initiatives and Activities:

  • International Women of Courage (2008): IWF hosted the recipients of the International Women of Courage awards to discuss the grassroots work they do and ways in which IWF can help them promote their cause and work.

  • "Securing Afghanistan: The Role of Women" (2008): IWF hosted a delegation of senior women leaders from Afghanistan to address what women in Afghanistan can do to promote peace and security and to nurture the building of civil society. Members of the Afghan parliament were also part of the panel.

  • "Linkage Actors: Women Bridging the Public and Private Spheres" (2007): IWF hosted a conference in Istanbul, Turkey for both Iranian and ex-pat Iranian women to engage in dialogue reflecting on the situation and realities for women in Iran.

  • Democratic Women's Union of Mongolia (2007): IWF hosted a luncheon where women leaders from Mongolia discussed their organization's support and work toward the promotion of gender equality and political rights for women.

  • The Iraqi Capacity Building and Small Grants Program (2006): IWF is working to build the capacity of women-led non-governmental organizations in South Central and Southern Iraq through a small grants and resource center empowerment program.

  • The Iraqi Women Leaders Conference (2005): 150 pro-democracy women activists from all over Iraq attended a training session held in Amman, Jordan on the principles and practices of democracy.

  • Afghan Civil Leadership Delegation (2005):  IWF co-hosted a delegation of Afghan women activists and leaders in civil society to discuss best practices for promoting civic participation, volunteerism, and social responsibility, development of civil society, educational opportunities, and improvement of the legal system.

  • "More Than One Source" Campaign (2005): IWF co-hosted a press briefing at the National Press Club to draw attention to issues of women's rights and the Iraq constitution.

  • Delegations of Afghan Ministers and Parliamentarians (2005):  IWF's international experts are often sought to co-host visiting delegates from Afghan ministries and the Parliament.

  • "The Iraqi Constitution," (2005): IWF hosted a panel event for a delegation of Iraqi women led by Dr. Azhar Abdul Karim Al Shakly, Minister of State for Women's Affairs, discussing women's human rights and the constitution.

  • "Democracy, Free Markets, Entrepreneurship, and Women," (2005): IWF hosted a panel event for a delegation of key Iraqi women members of parliament and civil society on democracy, free markets, and entrepreneurship.

  • "Women's Liberation: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran," (2003): IWF hosted a panel event on the U.S.'s role in liberating women in Muslim societies.

IWF scholars are regularly featured on news programs on television networks including ABC, CNN, CSPAN, FOX, MSNBC, and PBS. Articles by and featuring IWF scholars appear in prominent newspapers including the Washington Post, the Washington Times, the Los Angeles Times and in web publications.

For more information on IWF's International Program, please contact Halima Karzai at 202-419-1820 and visit our website at www.iwf.org.

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