GWI
Graduate Women International (GWI) is an international network linking women graduates from all cultures, all fields of study, all professions and all generations. GWI has national affiliates in 62 countries, including CFUW, and individual members in more than 40 others.
GWI was founded in 1919 as the International Federation of University Women (IFUW) by women graduates who believed in the importance of working together for peace, international understanding, and friendship.
Vision
Graduate Women International (GWI) advocates for women’s rights, equality and empowerment through access to quality secondary and tertiary education, and training up to the highest levels. Their vision is 100% of girls and women in the world achieving education beyond primary school.
Today their mission is to:
- Promote lifelong education for women and girls;
- Promote international cooperation, friendship, peace and respect for human rights for all, irrespective of their age, race, nationality, religion, political opinion, gender and sexual orientation or other status;
- Advocate for the advancement of the status of women and girls; and
- Encourage and enable women and girls to apply their knowledge and skills in leadership and decision-making in all forms of public and private life.
They provide a global voice for women graduates, working for the adoption and implementation of international agreements that will protect and benefit all women and girls.
Members volunteer their expertise in a wide range of community projects, such as:
- Literacy, financial literacy and vocational training programmes;
- Mentoring and workshops to promote girls and women’s skills and learning;
- Programmes to promote women up to the highest levels; and
- Campaigns to increase women’s awareness of their rights.
GWI also offers numerous conferences, seminars and workshops that provide opportunities to discuss global issues from an interdisciplinary perspective.