The International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES) is a global network of organizations that supports women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reaching over 60 countries worldwide. INWES is a non-governmental organization issued under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and has a consultative status as an NGO at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is governed by a board consisting of directors representing organizational, corporate, university/institute and individual memberships and an executive committee for daily operations of the organization.
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History
On June 15–21, 1964, the first International Conference for Women in Science and Engineering (ICWES) was held in New York attended with 500 people from 35 countries. ICWES is held in every three years.
At the World Conference on Science for the 21st Century in 1999, convened by the UNESCO and the International Council for Science in Budapest, Article 90 was adopted encouraging special efforts to be made toward the establishment of an international network of women scientists and engineers. In addition, it was important to create a formal organization that overlooks ICWES conferences.
Through the support and encouragement of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and a successful grant from UNESCO (Paris), 20 women representing 10 countries and 8 organizations met in Canada, May 2001, to explore the creation of such a network.
In July 2002, ICWES12 delegates supported the creation of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). The vote from representatives of all countries was unanimous. In April 2003, INWES was incorporated as a non-profit corporation under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. A provisional Board was elected for three years; the founding members and executive committee were: President (Monique Frize), a Treasurer (Gail Mattson), and a Secretary General (Claire Deschênes).
In August 2005, at ICWES13 (Seoul, Korea) hosted by KWSE (The Association of Korean Woman Scientists and Engineers), the first general meeting of INWES was held and the first Board of Directors was elected; the Executive Committee remained the same for the next three years. .
In November 2007, the INWES Educational and Research Institute (ERI) was established as a Canadian charitable organization to advance education and research in the fields of women in STEM through funding of special projects. By the Canadian Law for Charities, INWES and the ERI have to be at arms-length of each other.
In April 2008, INWES became an official NGO partner of the operational type with UNESCO (later changed in 2012 to consultative status as UNESCO changed their directives). This partnership involves a dynamic cooperation to contribute to UNESCO’s mandate to help women and girls worldwide to have access to education, especially in Science and Engineering.
At ICWES14, 2008 (at Lille, France) hosted by FI (Femmes Ingénieures), the second president, Sue Bird (UK), was elected. As of October 2008, INWES had become a large international network representing over 250,000 women in 60 countries around the globe.
In August 2011, at ICWES15 (Adelaide, Australia) hosted by a National committee for Women in Engineering, Engineers Australia, Asia & Pacific Nation Network (APNN), the first regional network of INWES, was initiated and the third president, Kong-Joo Lee (Korea), was elected.
At ICWES16 in L.A., 2014, hosted by SWE (Society of Women Engineers, USA), celebrating 50 years of ICWES conferences, the second regional network, African Region Network (ARN) was launched and Kong-Joo Lee was re-elected as president.
In September 2015, the creation of INWES Europe, as the third regional network, was discussed. While unity in Europe is in some question and politicians argue, it becomes even more important that women scientists and engineers across Europe are connected by the newly launched INWES Europe. INWES Europe was launched at the INWES Regional Conference held in Freising, Germany on the 4th November 2016.
Mission and Vision
“To build a better future worldwide through full and effective participation of women and girls in all aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”
INWES believes strength is in unity.
If women are to have a significant voice, one that is heard by mainstream science and engineering on issues such as the environment, sustainable development, gender equity, and many other critical issues, then we must strive to state clearly and consistently our position and views in a united effort.
These objectives will be achieved through the collaboration between organizational, corporate, university/institution and individual members of INWES. By becoming a member, everyone can help create a better future, and participate in worldwide discussions on how to increase the impact of women’s voices in mainstream organizations.
Function and Activities
In order to provide a solid platform for international conferences for women in STEM, INWES oversees ICWES every three years and supports hosts Regional Conferences inbetween ICWES working with host organizations or country. INWES also supports the start establishment of organization of women in STEM at the country level via providing the bylawby providing guidelines, sharing ideas for the activities, and promoting these new organizations via during regional conferences and through their regional network. INWES has established the INWES regional networks help to foster and promote its activities in a physically close at a more localized level and similar time zone region, because they have where common interests as well as and regional problems that can be solved together with collective wisdom considering the regional context.
There is a website for information on women in STEM, including a newsletter which is published every quarter of a year and link to websites of organizational members. For advocacy, INWES collaborates with and participates with UNESCO and the United Nations on international campaigns to raise awareness about STEM issues. To increase awareness, access to education, and career opportunities for girls and women, it is important to provide resources for professional development, and distribute these materials and collaborate with organizations and corporations