Menu
Log in

    

empower women. change the world.

news

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   Next >  Last >> 
  • 29 Aug 2022 4:58 AM | Anonymous

    It is now official; we will be holding our World of Difference Awards Ceremony in person this year!

    Our theme for this year is ‘Restarting the World – Women Rising’ and we will not only be celebrating our Awardees, but also discussing how TIAW can best continue to make a ‘world of difference’ as we move beyond the pandemic and into a future that will require both a re-start, and a re-think?

    One thing is certain, women will once again be required to rise to the challenges (seen and unforeseen) that face them in this changed world; and that supporting their financial empowerment will assist them to rise.

    Excitingly, we will also be returning to Washington DC for this event; while venue details are being finalised, please note the following:

    • 20 October 2022
      • Evening Reception and Welcome
    • 21 October 2022
      • Friday Morning Event and Awards Ceremony followed by lunch.

    More details will follow soon but please save the date(s).

    Welcome GFCBW!

    We are excited to welcome our newest Member Association – The Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW).

    A Sydney chapter of this amazing group of women was launched (literally and figuratively) at a formal event on Sydney Harbour on the evening of 20th August.

    TIAW VP Membership and RVP Asia, Ching-Mei Maddock hosted a table on The Jackson – a brand new luxury vessel (see below):

    Besides Ching-Mei and I, the table included the National President of WCEI (Australia), Andrea Plawutsky and WCEI State President for NSW, Antoinette Colbran, and other WCEI members. As a WCEI is Member Association, the women of WCEI are part of our TIAW network, so it was great to see them turning out in support

    Below L – R: Robin Powis, Antoinette Colbran, Donna Meredith, Shirley Randell, Andrea Plawutsky, Ching-Mei Maddock, Sylvia Leigh, Janet Muir.

    We are delighted to welcome GFCBW ‘on board.’

    I hope wherever you are this finds you safe and well (and dreaming of Washington DC).

    Donna Meredith
    President
    TIAW

    Empowering Women; Changing the World

  • 1 Apr 2022 7:53 AM | Anonymous

    Year 3 of the 2020s opened with the promise of hope that as vaccines become more widely available and the pandemic slows, life for women around the world might ease. As we draw towards the end of the first quarter of 2022, I am sure that none of us had any idea what to expect as we waved farewell to 2021. Personally, I am sure that when I wrote in my President’s Report that we looked toward a brighter 2022, I did not mean the bright and terrifying light of another war.

    As we know, women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and are always the worst affected by war and conflict. Now, Ukrainian women are joining the 84 million people already displaced from their home countries – 50% of the world’s refugees are women and girls.

    To rebuild their lives and to find a pathway to the future they deserve, women need access to the funds that will empower them.

    This is the work of TIAW.

    TIAW seeks to unite and support women around the world, leveraging their ideas and their strengths to develop and implement programs for the advancement and economic empowerment of women around the world.

    For only USD55 a year, you can join us on our mission to empower women and change the world as a result ( The International Alliance for Women - individual membership (tiaw.org) ). We also welcome companies and associations who share our ideals.

    Our work is also to amplify the work of others who share in our belief in empowering women.

    TIAW sponsors the TIAW World of Difference Awards – where we annually recognise up to 100 women (and men) around the world whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally, or worldwide.

    We are delighted to be able to (at last) celebrate two of our 2021 Awardees:

    • Muriel Chen-Sjahriar (Founder and Owner, Blue Eye Dragon Restaurant): Entrepreneurship

    • Keith Jones (CEO, Alteris Financial Group): Champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment.

    Proceeds from this event will go to TIAW’s Microcredit Program whereby we invest in women so they can lift themselves, their families, and their communities out of the cycle of poverty.

    The nominations for the 2022 World of Difference Awards are now open.

    If you know a woman (or man) whose work we can recognise or elevate, please nominate them online at www.tiaw.org

    Wherever you are in the world, I hope you are safe.


    Donna Meredith

    President

    TIAW

    Empowering Women; Changing the World


  • 24 Mar 2022 11:37 PM | Anonymous

    CC: TIAW Members, Affiliated and partner Associations, and Friends,

    When I took over as President of TIAW last year from Diane Tompson, I must admit that I thought the worst of the Pandemic was behind us here in Australia, and in truth (other than being truly isolated from family, friends, and colleagues overseas) we have been among the extremely fortunate.

    That has not been the case for our fellow women across the globe.

    The impact of COVID-19 on women over the last two years has been far-reaching and disproportionate.

    A recent policy brief of the UN Secretary General – The Impact of COVID-19 on Women policy_brief_on_covid_impact_on_women_9_april_2020.pdf (un.org) analyses the effects of the pandemic on all sectors of women’s lives. From economic challenges to the increased demands of unpaid work (as children are not at school); to the tragic increase in gender-based violence, we can safely say that 2020 and 2021 did not advance the goals of many, many women.

    It clear that the work of a reinvigorated TIAW is never more timely; never more necessary.

    I inherited an organisation that was financially fit and driven by a motivated and compassionate Board. We are also fortunate to have the extraordinary asset of a vital and energetic ‘Old Girls’ Club’ (TOGC) who not only provide active moral support to the Board and the organisation, but they also contribute funds to our microcredit program.

    This year Grameen America joined us as a microcredit partner; TOGC donated in honour of our founder, Mandy Goetz and that money has been distributed to their newest branch in New Jersey. As always, these funds go to programs that focus on women’s financial empowerment.

    We also made donations via our other partners, FINCA and CUFA. These efforts were also supported by Alteris Financial Group (sponsor of our International Women’s Day event in Sydney, Australia), and by the individuals and networks who have so wonderfully contributed to uplifting women, their families, and their communities by joining TIAW and/or donating to our campaigns.

    Our World of Difference Virtual Awards Ceremony was broadcast on Zoom on November 19/20. Once again, we are proud to recognise outstanding women and men from around the world, whose contribution to the economic empowerment of women is significant, ongoing, and heartfelt. We congratulate them and look forward to a brighter 2022 for all women,

    In addition, we are delighted to recognise two outstanding women whose contributions demand special recognition:

    • Irene Natividad – 2021 TIAW Lifetime Achievement Awardee; and,

    • Sherry Gysler – 2021 TIAW Mandy Goetze 21st Century Awardee.

    You can read all about Irene and Sherry and see our other World of Difference Awardees on www.tiaw.org; and join us to see and hear their stories at our virtual event in two weeks (details and Zoom link to follow).

    For those who have yet to join us, I encourage you to become part of TIAW as a member – as we are truly greater together.

    To my extraordinary Board colleagues, my thanks for your support, good humour, and belief in TIAW. I look forward to seeing you all in person in 2022.




    Donna Meredith

    President

    The International Alliance of Women



  • 12 Nov 2021 1:39 AM | Anonymous

    Once again, we are proud to recognise outstanding women and men from around the world, whose contribution to the economic empowerment of women is significant, ongoing, and heartfelt. In addition, we are delighted to recognise two outstanding women whose contributions demand special recognition:

    • ·        Irene Natividad – 2021 TIAW Lifetime Achievement Awardee; and,
    • ·        Sherry Gysler – 2021 TIAW Mandy Goetze  21st Century Awardee.

    Our World of Difference Virtual Awards Ceremony will be broadcast on Zoom on November 19 and 20, 2021.  Please Join Us!

    Broadcast

    Saturday

    20 November

    Friday

    19 November

    Number

    Hong Kong (HKT)

    Sydney (AEDT)

    Washington DC (EST)

    London (GMT)

    1

    0500

    0800

    1600

    2100

    2

    1700

    2000

    0400

    0900

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5066620985

    Meeting ID: 506 662 0985
    One tap mobile
    +61280156011,,5066620985# Australia
    +61370182005,,5066620985# Australia

    Dial by your location
            +61 2 8015 6011 Australia
            +61 3 7018 2005 Australia
            +61 7 3185 3730 Australia
            +61 8 6119 3900 Australia
            +61 8 7150 1149 Australia
            +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
            +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
            +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
    Meeting ID: 506 662 0985
    Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdkHQLDCKw


  • 2 Nov 2021 11:12 PM | Anonymous

    Dear Member Associations, Members and Friends of TIAW,

    You are cordially invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of Members of the International Alliance of Women, to be held at 8:00 am Australian Eastern Standard Time, Saturday, Nov 06th, 2021.

    A copy of all relevant documents will be supplied upon request to admin@tiaw.org which will include the President’s Report on all activities for the past two years.

    The purposes of the meeting are as follows:

    • 1.      To acknowledge actual notice and to waive the requirement of 30 days’ notice of Annual General Meeting of Members
    • 2.       To elect or reconfirm Directors for 2021 and 2022 as appropriate.
    • 3.      To ratify actions taken by the officers and Board of Directors since the last annual meeting and to release their liability
    • 4.      To transact any other business that may lawfully come before the meeting.

    Member associations (one vote each) will vote on items as indicated above. The proxy will be used only if a designated voting representative of the member association is not in attendance.

    Members may attend by Zoom – see below.

    AGM Meeting 

    Schedule:  November 05, 2021 (See below for times in zones) (November 06, 2021,       at 8:00 AM AEST)
    Time: Nov. 05 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

              Nov. 05 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

              Nov. 06 09:00 PM London Time (BST)

              Nov. 05 11:00 AM Egypt Time (EET)

              Nov. 06 05.00 AM Taiwan time (CST)

              Nov. 06 08:00 AM Australia Time (AEST)


    Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.


    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89259466476?pwd=SHNHK0xob2h6OTJCZjlYNFFhN3MrZz09

    Meeting ID: 892 5946 6476

    Passcode: 780803

    One tap mobile

    +12532158782,,89259466476#,,,,*780803# US (Tacoma)

    +13462487799,,89259466476#,,,,*780803# US (Houston)

    Join Zoom Meeting

    Dial by your location

            +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

            +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

            +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)

            +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

            +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

            +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

    Meeting ID: 892 5946 6476

    Passcode: 780803

    Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbh285qu84


  • 30 Jul 2021 7:43 PM | Anonymous

    I was asked earlier this week why I was so passionate about the work of TIAW – why does this work matter when there is so much in the world that needs ‘work’.

    My answer?

    • ·       It is good for women.
      • Women’s financial empowerment is central to realizing women’s rights and gender equality. Financially empowered women have greater access to and control over productive resources, decent work, and broader control over their own time, lives, and bodies.
    • ·       It is good for businesses and communities.
      • Organisations greatly benefit from increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women generally showing increased organizational effectiveness and growth. Communities flourish when women flourish.
    • ·       It is good for the world.
      • When more women are paid to work, economies grow. Women’s financial empowerment boosts productivity, increases economic diversification and income equality in addition to other positive development outcomes

    Each year TIAW recognises up to 100 women (and men)  whose work supports the financial empowerment of women in their community, and around the world. The World of Difference Awards tells  the stories of those women and men that are working to build a better future for women – which, as we know builds stronger families, communities, and nations. Go to The International Alliance for Women - wod: nominate (tiaw.org) and tell us about them so we can shine a light on their stories. Nominations close this weekend – don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate someone!

    I am very sorry to again report sad news: Candace Straight, a long-term member of TIAW and of The Old Girls Club since its inception, passed away in June.  Candy spent decades working to elect women to government positions and supporting the education and advancement of women.  As one friend stated: she “absolutely believed in moving the needle for women  She truly was an inspiration and will be sorely missed. 

    Inspiring people and words have been very much on my mind as we move through the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic - where we have seen the world both move closer and also draw further apart under the pressures of this global challenge. In particular, I keep thinking of an African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, travel alone; if you want to go far, travel together.

    We have a long way to travel and much work to do. Why not join us on the TIAW journey by becoming a member? Go to www.tiaw.org to find out more.

    Stay safe and be well.


    Donna Meredith
    President
    TIAW

    Empowering Women; Changing the World


  • 25 May 2021 7:42 PM | Anonymous

    It’s been a busy few months at TIAW!

    With COVID-19 held mostly at bay in Australia, we were fortunate enough to have the first of our revitalised Global Cities events on a sunlit day in Sydney on International Women’s Day. We were even more fortunate to have the support of an amazing partner – Alteris Women, an outstanding initiative by the Alteris Financial Group.

    The initiative was the ‘brainchild’ of Alteris’ CEO, Keith Jones, but it has been developed and is now owned by the women who work at Alteris. The women at Alteris have created a community to support other women with the knowledge to be in control of their financial life in a way that aligns with their lifecycles, needs, and what they value most. As a partner for TIAW, they could not be more aligned with our mission and vision. As Lisa Fuentes, head of Corporate Services at Alteris stated, the organisation has empowered her professional, personal, and financial journey – and is now seeking to extend that opportunity to other women in the community. Their generous support of this event made it possible for us raise more than USD1500.00. That money will be distributed by CUFA (our Microcredit partner in Asia) and will support financial education for women entrepreneurs in the region. We cannot thank the women (and men) of Alteris enough for their support.

     

    As the pandemic rolls into its second year, we know that it has, and will continue to have, a disproportionately large effect on women – socially, psychologically, and of course financially. Each year TIAW recognises up to 100 men and women whose work supports the financial empowerment of women in their community, and around the world. The World of Difference Awards are now open, and we would love to hear the stories of those women and men that are working to build a better future for women – which, as we know builds stronger families, communities and nations. Go to The International Alliance for Women - WOD: Nominate and tell us about them so we can shine a light on their stories. Nominations close June 30, 2021

    While we hope that the horizon in some part of the world is lightening as vaccines rollout, we cannot forget that in much of the world, the pandemic rages on. On a personal level, the world of TIAW is a little darker due to the loss of one of our invaluable ‘Old Girls’. From Lisa Mezzetti of The Old Girls Club:

    ‘The Old Girls Club has lost one of our leaders, our mentor, our best example of Southern grace and charm, and a friend to all of us: Myra Leigh Tobin…she had been ill for some time.

    Myra was a leader of corporate women for more than 50 years. As one of the first women in the commercial insurance industry and throughout her career, all with Marsh & McLennan, she marked a long series of firsts: the first woman hired with an M.B.A. (1970); first woman managing director (1982); first woman named to be National Services Officer for Casualty, a global position; first Head – of any gender -- of the Chemical/Pharmaceutical Insurance Committee world-wide (her position at retirement).

    She was a role model and mentor for women in a male-dominated industry and made sure to promote those women into managerial positions’.

    Vale Myra and thank you.

    Stay safe and be well.

    Donna Meredith
    President
    TIAW

    Empowering Women; Changing the World


  • 22 Mar 2021 7:40 PM | Anonymous

    The TIAW World of Difference Awards recognize women, and men, whose efforts have advanced the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide. Economic empowerment means contributing to the ability of women to earn a living or in some way directly contributing to the economic betterment of other women, as distinct from other worthy contributions that are not within the scope of these awards.

    We are pleased to announce that the 2021 World of Difference Awards applications are now open and we invite you to nominate eligible candidates. They may be working on a small scale in the developing world or making an impact at the topic of the world’s biggest businesses – and whether they are well- known or an unsung heroine or hero, we want you to tell us your candidate’s story. Tell us about their extraordinary achievements and efforts in furthering the economic empowerment of women.

    Please note that individuals cannot nominate themselves.

    Award categories:

    • For individual women include: Community, Corporate, Education, Entrepreneurship, Non-Profit/NGO, Public Service/Government;
    • For individual men: Champions for Women’s Economic Empowerment;
    • For organizations: Corporate Initiatives for Women’s Economic Empowerment.

    For more details, see category descriptions within the nomination form.

    Nominations are now open and will close on April 30th, 2021.

    The 2021 award recipients will be celebrated at a global virtual event October 6, 2021 (details to follow).

    Nominate your candidate today!


  • 12 Mar 2021 7:38 PM | Anonymous

    This week we celebrate International Women’s Day around the world – and at TIAW we particularly celebrate one of our own extraordinary women. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General of Canada has announced that TIAW Board Member, Narmin Ismail, has been awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division). The Meritorious Service Decorations are among the highest Canadian distinctions that can be awarded.

    The Meritorious Service Decorations recognize individuals who have performed a deed or an activity in a highly professional manner, or at a very high standard that brings benefit or honour to Canada. Such actions can range from advocacy initiatives and health care services to humanitarian efforts and contributions to the arts.

    Narmin has been recognised for establishing the Spark of Hope Foundation to provide university scholarships to young women from disadvantaged countries. As Founder of the Spark of Hope Foundation, Narmin set a clear and bold vision for the Foundation, developed strategic and operational plans, and recruited a powerful team to help execute those plans to meet the Foundations mission of empowering young women, primarily in the developing world, through education

    In less than seven years, the Foundation:

    • has provided 175 scholarships to women at the undergraduate, master’s & PhD studies at 57 institutions of higher learning;
    • has over 80 alumnae starting to make huge impact;
    • has 12 on-ground and collaborative partners;
    • accessed over $9.7 M in donations and partner funding.

    Narmin will be recognised at an awards ceremony later this year in Ottawa.

    We are fortunate to have Narmin as one of our Board Members – and on behalf of the Board and our Members, congratulations!

    Donna Meredith

    President, TIAW

  • 25 Feb 2021 7:36 PM | Anonymous

    Like many of you, we suffered a loss in 2020 – one of our directors, Robin Johnston, passed away late in the year. Robin was a graduate of Hamline University, in St. Paul Minnesota, magna cum laude, and of Brown University where she received a Masters’ degree in Sociology. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Robin practiced law in a number of private law firms and was for a number of years the Senior Medical Center Counsel at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center. Robin later established her own law firm concentrating in the representation of health care providers and other non-profit institutions.

    Vale Robin and thank you for your service to TIAW.

    On a happier note, late last year we entered into a relationship with Grameen America. Grameen America is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial women who live in poverty build business to enable financial mobility. Founded in Queens, NY, in 2008, Grameen America builds on the legacy and proven model of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus. His revolutionary but simple idea that all people can lift themselves out of poverty through their own entrepreneurial spirit has dramatically altered how the world views global poverty.

    The impetus to find an American partner in our Microcredit work came from one of our greatest assets – the women who have been at the heart of TIAW for many years, and who refer to themselves as “The Old Girls Club (TOGC).” These are long-term TIAW members and many former directors/officers who have remained life-long friends and still get together once a year because their friendships became so strong. TOGC approached the Board late last year with a desire to fundraise in the name of our Founder Mandy Goetze, as a way of celebrating her in our 40th year. I am delighted to announce that the significant funds raised by TOGC have now found their way to Grameen America, where they will make a difference to women in the Camden/Trenton area of New Jersey. To the women of TOGC, and to our VP Microcredit, Amanda Fitzgerald (who worked tirelessly to support this sensational initiative) – our sincere and lasting thanks!

    While much of the world is still suffering through the worst of the pandemic, Australia is remarkably back to a form of normal life – allowing us to have the first of our revitalised Global Cities events here in Sydney on International Women’s Day (March 8), https://events.humanitix.com/tiaw-global-cities-sydney-iwd, with proceeds going to our microcredit fund. We’ll share the day with you on our social media platforms and in the next newsletter – along with the details about our amazing sponsor for this event.

    I look forward to the day when all of us can gather in safety once more – but in the meantime, stay safe and be well.

    Donna Meredith
    President
    TIAW

    Empowering Women; Changing the World



<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   Next >  Last >> 

contact us

The International Alliance for Women (TIAW)
13905 S Tekoa Street, Spokane WA USA 99203-2740

Google Maps

E-mail: admin@tiaw.org


Copyright © 2019 TIAW the International Alliance for Women®. All Rights Reserved.

quick links

note

TIAW (The International Alliance for Women) is a charitable foundation. TIAW is unrelated to and not the same organization as IAW (International Alliance of Women Equal Rights - Equal Opportunities).

TIAW is organized as a 501(c)3 foundation in the USA.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software
Site Designed by UberNerd