International Women’s Health Coalition

Health and Well-Being

Geography: Global

Founded: 1984

Address:

333 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10001

Mission

The International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC) promotes and protects the sexual and reproductive rights and health (SRRH) of all women and young people, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, by helping to develop effective health and population policies, programs, and funding.

Vision 

Social and economic justice, the foundations of global well-being, can only be achieved by ensuring women's human rights, health, and equality. Accordingly, IWHC envisions a world in which women:

  • are equally and effectively engaged in decisions that concern their sexual and reproductive rights and health
  • experience a healthy and satisfying sexual life free from discrimination, coercion, and violence
  • can make free and informed choices about childbearing
  • have access to the information and services they need to enhance and protect their health

Theory of Change 

Global progress on SRRH requires effective participation by local leaders, advocates, service providers and, especially, women and young people. The Coalition bridges two worlds: the powerful global actors that determine policies and funding for health in low- and middle-income countries, and women and young people affected by their decisions. Persuading those who control global and national policies and budgets to invest in girls and women, particularly in vital but politically contentious matters of sexuality and gender equality, requires:

  • women and youth leaders with vision, skills, and strong organizational bases who can both access mainstream institutions and mobilize civil society
  • multiple, powerful stakeholders from diverse constituencies who are willing and able to contribute to building consensus on actions for SRRH and to work together in pluralistic alliances
  • skilled, evidence- and experience-based advocacy to generate political will for action