The International Women's Forum builds women's leadership across careers, cultures and continents by connecting the world's most preeminent women of significant and diverse achievement. IWF members share knowledge and ideas, to enrich each other's lives, to provide a network of support and to exert influence. Through the Leadership Foundation, IWF helps prepare future generations of women leaders.

Founded in 1982 in the United States, the International Women's Forum has grown across five continents into 36 nations and 75 Forums. With over 6,500 members participating in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Pacific Basin, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. 

IWF's founders, Elinor Guggenheimer and Eleanor Holmes Norton, envisioned creating a networking vehicle for top women leaders. Today, IWF is a world-class leadership association of global importance providing access, information, leadership exchange and development for women on issues of international concern.

IWF's substantive programming also provides a global stage upon which women leaders can meet, confer, resolve, and develop opportunities that expand prospects for women and girls throughout the world.