CONSTITUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ALLIANCE

Table of Contents

Preamble

We, women from Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, North Africa & West Asia (MENA), North America and Oceania, united in establishing democratic, progressive, anti-imperialist, women’s movement in the 21st century, that will contribute to the building of an anti-imperialist movement, hereby proclaim the formation of the International Women’s Alliance (IWA). The Alliance shall exercise its leadership as an independent alliance of grassroots mass organizations of women, institutions, unions and individuals united to carry out and wage democratic and anti-imperialist struggles against neoliberalism, fascism, militarism and war. It shall not subsume itself to any political party, government or religious authority.

We believe that the intensified imperialist aggression against our peoples, our lives, and livelihood and the planet/land has furthered the exploitation and oppression of women and other oppressed genders.

We believe that the system of imperialism and its puppet states have been reversing many of the gains for which women before us have fought and given their lives for.

We believe that in order to realize our vision for a just and democratic society, void of patriarchal and other reactionary values, we must unite, draw in more women, and intensify our struggle towards the defeat of imperialism and all reaction.

Through this alliance we resolve to:

Build a movement to further draw in women and men to the struggle for justice, freedom and peace, to advance our struggle to overcome all forms of economic, political and sociocultural oppression that will promote the rights of women, and fight against gender discrimination, racism, sexual violence and abuse, and the neglect and denial of our health and reproductive rights;

Build a movement to further unite the oppressed and exploited women from all parts of the world and link local struggles and campaigns against imperialism with the struggle of peoples of the world;

Build a movement to mobilize women, as well as men, from all over the world to build a society that will guarantee women’s rights and ensure our meaningful participation and development as equals;

Build a movement that will move forward the peoples’ struggle for national and social liberation and the full emancipation of women, by guaranteeing a life without exploitation and oppression, and protecting the world's natural resources and the environment.

Article I

Aims and Purposes

  1. Build a militant international women’s movement that will draw women, particularly the oppressed and exploited women (peasant women, indigenous women, migrant (documented and undocumented) women, refugee women, asylum seekers, racially and ethnically discriminated women (including Dalit women), and women from the working class (urban poor women, including those who are part of the informal sector), and the physically and mentally disabled, LGBTQI+ and other oppressed genders), in their numbers to fight and resist imperialist plunder and war as it intensifies the exploitation and oppression of the peoples of the world, and that will strengthen the peoples’ movement for national and social liberation and full emancipation of women;

  2. Build and develop a broad international women’s movement for social change, justice, genuine peace, freedom and equality that is deeply rooted among the masses of women workers of all nationalities, peasant and rural women, indigenous and minority nationalities, urban poor, the unemployed, migrants and refugees, youth, differently-abled women, LGBTQ, professionals, academics, and other marginalized and discriminated women;

  3. Assert women’s rights in economic, political and socio-cultural spheres;

  4. Fight to end all forms of discrimination, violence and marginalization of women;

  5. Expose and oppose imperialist discourse and structure that feed on, shape and intensify feudalism, patriarchy and other reactionary values that impede the development and exercise of women’s rights, equality and freedom;

  6. Build and strengthen international cooperation, mutual support and sharing of strategies among women organizations, networks, alliances, institutions and individuals,

  7. Encourage and support the building of local anti-imperialist women’s organizations, networks and alliances, and encourage coordination and cooperation in the national and regional levels of women’s organizations in the form of campaigns, joint activities, coalition building, and establishing regional coordinating bodies that will undertake campaigns on issues concerning and affecting women and strengthen their organizational capabilities;

  8. Raise consciousness among women and men on the root causes of women’s oppression and exploitation through political education, theoretical study and social practice;

  9. Expose and oppose anti-women policies and laws, and reactionary women’s groups that create divisions among women and derail and co-opt women’s struggles.

  10. Link up and unite with other progressive and social movements in the struggle against imperialism and all reaction.

Article II

Name

The name of the alliance shall be the International Women’s Alliance (IWA), hereafter referred to as the Alliance.

Article III

Definition

In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, the words below shall have the meaning set opposite each of them respectively:

Constitution ---------------------- the Constitution of the Alliance 

International Assembly ---- the International Assembly of the Alliance

EC -------------------------------------- the Executive Council of the Alliance

GRC-------------------------------------- the Global Regional Council of the Alliance

Member --------------------------- the member of the Alliance

Article IV

Scope, Logo and Headquarters of the Secretariat

Section 1. Scope

The Alliance shall cover the whole world. We will reach the working and oppressed classes of all regions of the world. 

Section 2. Logo

The three women at the center of the logo express power, militancy and steadfast resolve towards internationalism. The women’s symbol represents women united under the banner of internationalism and anti-imperialism. The colors of the logo represent diversity, beauty and creativity. 

​Section 3. Headquarters of the Alliance 

The Assembly shall decide on the location of the Headquarters of the Alliance. 

Article V

Membership

Section 1. Types of Members

Criteria for Regular Members

  1. Membership of the Alliance shall be open to all grassroots women’s organizations, sections of local trade unions and other organizations that promote women’s concerns, networks, and alliances of women’s organizations that subscribe to the Constitution of the Alliance and adhere to the principles of the Manila Declaration of Unity and all plans, policies and resolutions approved by the Assembly.

  2. Commitment to perform the rights and duties of a member.

  3. Payment of annual dues.

​Criteria for Associate Members

  1. Any women’s institution or group that provides programs for women shall qualify for associate membership in the Alliance.

  2. Institutions or NGO’s (non-grassroots) that may not be centered on women but do provide programs or carry issues of women, shall qualify for associate membership in the Alliance. 

  3. Adherence to the Constitution of the Alliance, the principles of the Declaration of Unity, and all plans, policies and resolutions approved by the Assembly.

  4. Payment of annual dues.

Criteria for Individual Members

  1. An individual who has distinguished themself in their respective field may be invited to become an individual member of the Alliance, provided that they do not belong to an existing member organization of IWA.

  2. Adherence to the Constitution of the Alliance, the principles of the Declaration of Unity, and all plans, policies and resolutions approved by the Assembly.

  3. Payment of annual dues.

Section 2. Admission to the Alliance

An applicant shall submit a letter of intention for membership to the Alliance through a member organization of good standing in the Alliance or they may register their interest to join the Alliance through our website. The potential member organization shall in turn submit such application together with their letter of intent to the Executive Council (EC) for deliberations.

In global regions where Global Regional Councils (GRC) are established, applicants may also submit a letter of intention for membership directly to the GRC. The GRC can then have initial deliberations to determine if said organization is a viable candidate to join the Alliance. After such deliberations have occurred, the GRC can submit the application together with the letter of intention and outcomes of their deliberations to the EC for consideration and make the final decision.

The EC shall be mandated by the Assembly to approve or deny the application and report its decision to the International Assembly.

Section 3. Rights of Members   

 The members of the Alliance shall enjoy the following rights:

  1. For Regular Members:

    1. To attend the International Assembly of the Alliance or any special meetings called for a specific purpose.

    2. To vote and be voted into any leadership position. Each member organization may send between 1 to 5 delegates to attend the Assembly. Delegates at the Assembly may discuss and deliberate on important issues and participate in the full plenum. However, only 1 voting delegate will be designated by each member organization to cast ballots or participate in the voting process. See Article VIII Section 3 on Decisions and Quorum.

    3. To register a dissenting opinion, criticism and suggestion to any constituted body of the Alliance (i.e. International Assembly, EC, GRC, Country Chapter).

    4. To seek support from the Alliance on any issue, problems and needs of their organization or its members.

    5. To appeal to the EC on any matter concerning the Alliance.

    For Associate Members: 

  2. To be entitled to all the rights stated above.

    1. To be entitled to voting rights and be voted into any leadership position.

    For Individual Members:

    1. To be entitled to all rights stated above except they cannot be elected into any leadership position. However, they can be consulted and give advice on important matters pertaining to the Alliance. 

    2. To be entitled to voting rights except they cannot be voted into any leadership position.

Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities

The members of the Alliance shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

  1. Uphold the Constitution, policies, rules and regulations of the Alliance.

  2. Attend and actively participate in the activities, campaigns and work of the Alliance.

  3. Maintain regular and up-to-date communications with the Secretariat.

  4. Pay the membership fee and annual dues promptly.

  5. Uphold and respect the principle of independence and initiative of all member organizations.

  6. Not to hold public criticism of other member organizations; instead such criticisms should be done between member organizations in private.​

Section 5. Disaffiliation

Any member may withdraw their membership at any time. Resignation shall be in writing, with explanation, and shall take effect upon receipt and action of the EC.

Section 6. Suspension of Membership

The EC shall have the right to suspend a member for violations of the core principles of the Constitution. 

Any suspended member shall have the right of appeal. An appeal shall be submitted in writing to the EC for discussion and deliberation.

When appropriate, the GRC may request the suspension of membership after a period of (2) years of inactivity or failure to meet the pre-stated duties of a member organization. This will be waived if there are extenuating circumstances that lead to the political inactivity of a member organization.

Article VI

Instrumentalities

Section 1. Instrumentalities

To facilitate and ensure its effective and efficient operation, the Alliance shall have the following instrumentalities:

  1. International Assembly

  2. Executive Council

  3. Global Secretariat

  4. Global Regional Councils

    1. Regional Chapter

    2. Regional Assembly

  5. Country Chapters

​Section 2. International Assembly

The International Assembly shall serve as the highest policy and decision-making body of the Alliance. It shall have the right to decide all matters concerning the Alliance.

Functions

  1. Define the thrust, policies and programs of the Alliance. 

  2. Revise, amend or rescind the Constitution.

  3. Decide membership reaffirmation, admission, suspension or termination. 

  4. Elect the members of the EC.

  5. Accept, review, alter or reverse the report and resolutions of the EC.

  6. Adopt the financial report and budget for the term.

  7. Resolve any other matter the Assembly would see fit. 

Participation and Credentials

  1.  All bona fide members of the Alliance shall compose the International Assembly. 

  2. Each member organization may be represented by one (1) to five (5) delegates inclusive of one (1) voting delegate. Each delegate shall bear the credentials of their organization. Each Regular Member of the Alliance shall be granted five (5) vote counts.

  3. Each Associate Member shall be represented by one (1) or two (2) delegates who shall bear the credentials of their institution or organization. Each Associate Member of the Alliance shall be granted three (3) vote counts.

  4. Individual Members may attend the International Assembly.  Each Individual Member shall be granted one (1) vote count.

  5. The International Assembly reserves the right to refuse credentials that in its opinion are not authentic and thereby refuse to accept its bearer(s) as delegate(s).

Section 3. Assembly

The Assembly shall be held once in four (4) years in such place, date and time agreed by the EC. 

However, the Executive Council or the Secretariat may call for an Extraordinary Assembly when necessary:

  1. Upon the request of the simple majority of the regular members of the Alliance, or when global circumstances prevent the convening of the International Assembly 

  2. Such meeting shall be held within twelve (12) weeks after the receipt of the request, unless the request is accompanied by a later suggested date, or

  3. Upon the resolution by the EC and ratified by a simple majority of the postal votes cast or any other means such as faxes or emails by the members of the Alliance.  

A notice specifying the place, date and time of the Assembly or Extraordinary Assembly and a preliminary agenda shall be sent to all members at least twelve (12) weeks prior to the Assembly and six (6) weeks for an extraordinary one.

Section 4. Executive Council

The EC shall be the highest executive and supervisory body of the Alliance in-between the International Assembly. It may exercise all powers of the Alliance, provided that in exercising those powers and in discharging its functions, it shall be bound by the Constitution and the policies set by the Alliance in the Assembly. The EC may make policies in cases where there are none, subject to the ratification of the Assembly. 

Functions of the Executive Council:

  1. Execute and assess the policies, plans and programs of the Assembly and draw up an annual plan of action

  2. Create and directly supervise a Secretariat to attend to the day-to-day functions of the Alliance. 

  3. Plan and organize internationally-coordinated campaigns and activities for women. 

  4. Draft positions and plans on issues concerning and involving women. 

  5. Recommend applications for membership to the Alliance for approval of the International Assembly. 

  6. Make interim decisions when the Assembly is not in session. 

  7. Draft the agenda and convene the Assembly. 

  8. Recommend policies and policy guidelines to the Assembly. 

  9. Receive and discuss proposed amendments to the Constitution. 

  10. Prepare the annual narrative and financial report, budget and plan of the Alliance. 

  11. Create regional and thematic task forces as the need arises. 

  12. Represent and speak on behalf of the Alliance in any functions, public gatherings and media releases.

  13. Perform other tasks as may be assigned by the Assembly. 

The EC shall not administer or govern all or any of the members of the Alliance and shall have no authority whatsoever to decide on issues internal to any member organization or on issues of controversy among several participating organizations. It may make requests or proposals that are subject to the decision of all or any of the participating organizations.

Composition of the Executive Council:

These members shall constitute the EC – Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Auditor.  In cases where Global Regions have established Global Regional Chapters, the elected Chairperson may have a seat on the EC. 

  1. The Chairperson of the Alliance shall represent and speak on behalf of the Alliance in any functions, public gatherings and media releases, stand as signatory representative for the Alliance in legal documents and statements, and preside over EC meetings. 

  2. The Vice Chairperson shall manage the membership of and recruitment to the Alliance. It shall handle efforts in networking and building relationships with women’s movements, and other progressive and anti-imperialist movements.

  3. The Secretary General shall directly work with the Secretariat in managing the day-to-day work of the Secretariat.

  4. The Treasurer shall work closely with the Secretariat and be in charge of fundraising efforts, accounting for the annual financial report, budget and plan. 

  5. The Auditor shall assist the Treasurer in the accounting of finances.   

  6. The Global Regional Chair shall promote the Alliance within their region of responsibility and shall be responsible for updating the Executive Council on the activities and developments of their respective Global Region.

Term of Office: 

The members of the EC shall hold office until the end of the succeeding Assembly.

Section 5. The Secretariat

  1. The Secretariat shall be appointed by the EC to do staff functions to assist the EC.

  2. The Secretariat shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the Office of the Alliance.

  3. The Secretariat shall be led and convened by the Secretary General of the Alliance.

  4. The basing of the Secretariat shall be decided upon by the EC. 

  5. The Secretariat shall be directly accountable to the EC.

  6. The term of office of the Secretariat shall be co-terminus with the EC, unless appointed again by the newly-elected EC.

  7. The Secretariat shall submit narrative and financial reports to the EC for submission to the Assembly. 

Section 6. Global Regional Councils

The GRC is formed to help the EC and the Global Regional Assembly to execute and draw up an annual plan of action at the regional level according to the General Program of Action (GPOA) of the International Assembly.  The GRC shall represent the membership of their respective global regions which may include organizations of various country chapters.   (Currently: Asia Pacific, Europe, and Americas).

Functions of the Global Regional Council

  1. Bring recommendations of actions, campaigns, and events from the Global Regions or Country Chapters to the EC.

  2. Relay decisions of the EC including days of action, campaigns, International Assemblies, meetings etc., to their respective Global Region and Country Chapters.

  3. Perform new member orientations for organizations who are readily approved for membership by the EC.

  4. To build and maintain relationships with organizations in existing global regions and sustain the membership roster.

  5. Responsible for collecting annual dues from member organizations in the region

  6. Appoint members of the Global region to coordinate its members and activities on a regular basis to engage the Alliance in activities and campaigns when there is not yet an elected Global Regional Council to lead the work of the region.

  7. Bring together and coordinate the Alliance membership within its respective global region on various campaigns and activities in accordance with the General Program of Action (GPOA) set forth by the ECC and approved by the International Assembly of the Alliance.

​Section 6. 1 Global Regional Chapter

  1. The Global Regional Chapter shall be created at the Global regional level by IWA members in a region.

  2. The Global Regional Chapter is composed of member organizations within a Global Region and have elected officials to help lead and guide the work of the chapter.

  3. The Global Regional Chapter shall hold regular meetings, campaign activities, plan for days of action including holding Global Regional Chapter Assemblies to unite on its plans and program and elect new leaders of the Chapter (see section 6.2)

Section 6.2 Global Regional Assembly

  1. The Global Regional Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the Global Regional Chapter 

  2. Based on the development of the respective Global Region, the assembly may elect the officials of the Global Regional Council that will attend to the day-to-day functions of the Alliance in the region.

  3. As regions are in the early stages of development, it may not be possible to elect all (7) seven officials of the Assembly. In order to begin the building of IWA in a region, a minimum of (3) is required and shall be approved by the Executive Committee. The Chairperson, Membership Officer, and Treasurer are required initially to help build up emerging regions. Once it is possible for a Region to hold a Global Regional Assembly, it can nominate and elect officers for all positions from among its ranks.

  4. The Global Regional Assembly may convene annually or bi-annually depending on the development and capacity of the global region. 

  5. Recommend applications for membership to the Alliance for approval by the International Assembly, or by the Executive Committee in between International Assemblies.

  6. Plan and organize regional campaigns and activities for the members according the particular situation of women in the region.

  7. Draft positions and plans on issues concerning and involving women in the region for submission and approval by the Executive Council of IWA.

Section 7: Country Chapter

Country Chapters within a specific country may be formed where the work of IWA spans whole countries.  The creation of Country Chapters must be approved by the International Assembly or the EC in cases where the International Assembly is not able to meet. 

  1. The Country Chapter shall carry the same functions as a Global Regional Chapter, but its focused scope of work will be limited to one country.  Please see Article VI, Section 6 for the full scope and responsibilities. 

  2. Country Chapters may be formed in

    1. Countries where there is not yet a Global Regional Council. It shall be composed, in accordance to the level of development of IWA work in a specific country. Country Chapters can contribute to the building of Global Regions.

    2. Countries with at least 3 or more members.  The country chapter shall support in carrying out strategic campaigns, days of action and coordinate on activities.

  3. A Country Chapter Committee may hold assemblies, political conferences, days of action, and meetings at the country level and coordinate with other global regions or countries on its activities. 

  4. During Country Chapter Assemblies, the Country Chapter may elect members to represent the Country Chapter during Global Regional Council meetings, International Assemblies or other special meetings and activities called for by the Executive Council of IWA.

  5. Country Chapters may bring together and coordinate the IWA membership within its respective country on various campaigns and activities in accordance with the General Program of Action set forth by the Executive Committee and approved by the International Assembly of IWA.

  6. Country Chapters shall build and maintain relationships with organizations within the country and sustain the membership roster.

Article VII

Meetings & Decision Making

Section 1 Meetings of the Executive Council

  1. The EC shall endeavor to meet in person at least once a year in such a place, date and time as the EC shall fix and if practicable prior to the International Assembly and other activities of the Alliance. The EC shall meet online as needed between in-person meetings.

  2. Appropriate notice, along with the proposed agenda, shall be sent at least six (6) weeks before the meeting. Such notice is not required for online meetings but should be timely to ensure maximized participation.

  3. If a member of the EC cannot personally be present in the meeting, they may request a proxy to replace them during the meeting. A written authorization should be presented to the EC at the start of the meeting.  If a proxy is not available and a member of the EC cannot attend the meeting in person, they can use modern electronic means to participate in the meeting.

  4. Decisions made by the EC shall be approved by the majority plus one (1) to constitute a quorum.

Section 2: Decisions and Quorum

  1. Provided all the requirements and period stated in notifying the members for the said meetings are met, those in attendance in the said meeting shall constitute a quorum.  This applies to meetings of the EC, International Assembly, the Global Regional Assembly or Country Chapter Assembly. 

  2. In principle, the decisions of the Alliance shall be by consensus.  In instances where consensus is not possible, a simple majority of the members present, there being a quorum, shall be necessary to adopt a motion or resolution.

Section 3: Elections

  1. Election for the positions stated in this Constitution will be done during the regular session of the International Assembly and Global Regional Assemblies. Election shall be by secret ballots and supervised by a three (3)-member Committee on Elections (COMELEC) to be appointed by the Assembly.

  2. In the event that an officer cannot fulfill their duties or needs to step down and one of the positions stated in this constitution is left vacant before an election can take place at an International Assembly – the EC may appoint someone to the vacant position as a temporary measure until the International Assembly can finalize the position with a vote.​​

Article VIII

Finance

Section 1. Resources

The funds of the Alliance shall be derived from membership dues, fundraising projects, donations and grants approved by the International Assembly.

 

Section 2. Dues

The annual dues of the Alliance shall be determined by the Assembly. Members from the Global North shall pay annual dues of $100 USD and members from the Global South shall pay annual dues of $50 USD.  The bodies responsible for collecting dues shall be in care of the Global Regions and/or Country Chapters.

 

Section 3. Budget

The budget of the Alliance and the corresponding financial plan shall be prepared by the EC, in consultation and concurrence with the guidelines set by the Assembly. The Treasurer of the Alliance shall be responsible for the oversight of the budget. The Auditor of the Alliance shall work closely with the Treasurer and be responsible for ensuring all proper rules and regulations of finance work are being monitored

 

Section 4. Disbursement 

Funds may be withdrawn in accordance with the financial regulations and approved budget of the Alliance. 

 

Section 5. Accounts

The Treasurer shall document the accounts of the Alliance and submit a financial report to the EC and the Assembly.

Article IX

Fiscal Sponsorship

The EC is authorized to enter into fiscal sponsorships on behalf of the Alliance for purposes of fundraising, applying for grants and receiving other charitable contributions.

Article X

Dissolution

Section 1. Dissolution

The Alliance may be dissolved by a two-thirds (2/3) votes of its members through a special assembly.

 

Section 2. Assets and Properties

In the event of dissolution, all assets and properties of the Alliance, after payment of all costs and liabilities, shall be donated to a similar organization.

Article XI

Ammendments

This Constitution may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) majority votes cast at the International Assembly. 

Any proposed amendment must be submitted to the EC eight (8) weeks before the Assembly. The EC shall distribute copies of the proposal/s received to all members for their perusal at least four (four) weeks before the Assembly.

Adopted: 11 November 2015 - Manila, Philippines

Amended: 18 June 2024 - Penang, Malaysia