Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is the largest organization of rural women and homemakers. The ACWW links over 365 women’s clubs and societies in 70 countries, each with their own national characteristics and independent activities. The organization currently has nine million members.
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Headquartered in London, England, it has consultative, non-governmental status with certain United Nations agencies, and promotes international goodwill by offering practical help to its members around the globe.
Brief History
Late 19th Century – rural women's groups were set up independently. Communication between groups enabled more country women to come together in friendship and work towards similar goals.
London April 1929 – first International Conference of Rural Women – 46 women from 24 countries attended four-day conference.
Vienna 1930 – conference decision by the International Council of Women to form a 'Liaison Committee' of rural women's organizations.
Stockholm 1933 – the committee became the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).
Aims and Objectives
Through projects in rural communities, ACWW aims to improve the standard of living for all women and their families in the following areas:
ACWW also advocates for rural women and their families through its links with the UN. In addition to its special consultative status with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), ACWW is a member of the following UN groups:
Working Group on Girls (part of UNICEF) NGO Committee on UNIFEM (part of UN Women) NGO Committee on UNICEF NGO Committee on the Status of Women NGO Committee on Sustainable Development NGO Committee on the Family NGO Committee on Ageing NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee