WHO WE ARE

The International Women's Forum is a non-profit organization founded in October 1998 in Bologna, Italy for English-speaking women of all nationalities. The diversity of our current membership reflects the founding spirit of the IWF with members of all ages and professions originating from 16 different countries.

Monthly general meetings begin with a time of socializing and networking followed by an hour-long presentation by an invited speaker. The IWF strives to create a varied programming schedule with the goal of making meetings stimulating, relevant and fun for all attendees. Speakers include university professors, authors, health professionals , community leaders as well as IWF members themselves. Following the meeting, many members head to a local pizzeria for continued time with friends. The IWF also hosts a number of social events including a holiday party and annual family picnic in June.

In addition to monthly meetings, IWF members frequently get together in small interest groups which reflect the diversity of our organization. These interest groups include Book club, Ramblers (hikers), 2-Tongued-Tots (Mom’s and Kids Playgroup), Coffee Klatch and Volunteers with Casa delle Donne, a local resource for abuse victims. Another interest group known as the Job Bank works to match job seekers with opportunities in Bologna.

Membership in the IWF entitles women to a copy of our monthly newsletter vox@bo and access to our on-line community. New in 2004, the IWF is now supported by a dynamic website that allows users to truly be connected with one another and with the organization. Members can participate in an on-line photo directory with profiles, download current and archived newsletters and enjoy photo albums of IWF events. One of the most useful tools is that of the on-line forums, an interactive bulletin board where members can post messages on any number of topics ranging from restaurants to apartments to navigating the Italian paper trail! The forums are also a fantastic resource for supporting members outside Bologna who can now remain connected with the IWF from anywhere in the world.

Whether you have just landed in Bologna or have called it home for decades, the IWF offers an enriching experience for all members.

Join Us!