Who we are

The International Women’s Forum (“IWF”), founded in the USA in 1982, is an organisation of more than 7000 accomplished and diverse women from more than 33 nations across six continents. It advances women’s leadership across careers, cultures and continents by connecting the world’s most pre-eminent women of significant and diverse achievement and it brings together an unprecedented global membership to exchange ideas, to learn and inspire and to promote better leadership for a changing world. (www.iwforum.org)

The South African chapter (“IWFSA”) was founded 19 years ago by our patron, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, together with a group of women leaders. Our 100 members are women achievers drawn from business, government, the sciences, the arts and numerous other areas. The mission of the IWFSA is to create a platform for women leaders to inspire and invigorate each other on key issues which will impact a changing world. This is done through collaborative initiatives locally and globally by delivering specific programmes to educate, empower and mentor the next generation of women leaders in South Africa.

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Words are not enough. Together we can take action against GBVF.

The private sector will lead the GBVF Response Fund1, with the International Women’s Forum South Africa (IWFSA) playing the leading role in its establishment.

Young Leaders Connect IDEAL Program

In August 2020, IWFSA relaunched the Young Leaders Connect IDEAL Program ( “YLC IDEAL “), with aim of developing the next generation of leaders. The YLC IDEAL programme details can be found here ( www.ylcideal.co.za).

Dr Vuyokazi Mahlati

7/9/1965 – 12/10/2020

Tribute in celebration of an exemplary and beautiful life

This book is a compilation of tribute messages received via the WhatsApp tribute site set up by IWFSA, a selection of messages from memorial services and various other platforms, in loving memory and in celebration of Dr Vuyo’s beautiful life.

Latest news

The importance of women lifting, nurturing and empowering each other

Oct 11, 2021

Women need to support each other to develop skills that enable women to be economically independent…

Farewell Dr Konji Sebati

May 19, 2021

IWFSA bid farewell to our beautiful, esteemed member and beloved sister, Dr Konji Sebati.

Ramaphosa says govt to play its part as private sector pledges millions to fight GBV, femicide

Apr 5, 2021

Ramaphosa says govt to play its part as private sector pledges millions to fight GBV, femicide.

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Little Black Book

A Resource Guide for Women Across South Africa.

The Precious Little Black Book provides South African women with information about
their rights, health, education and economic empowerment, as well as know-how about
social and legal issues. We believe every woman has the ‘right to know’ and that this
book will therefore become precious to them.