IAWRT-USA is the USA chapter of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television, a global network of 14 national chapters and members in 54 countries. IAWRT members are professional communicators or researchers in media and communications. We strive to meet the urgent global challenges faced by women in and around the media. IAWRT-USA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization organized for educational purposes. Donations are eligible for tax deductions, according to IRS regulations.
IAWRT envisages a global environment where the role and space of women in the media is fully recognized, is safe and secure, ensures freedom of speech without fear of online or offline trolling, where the portrayal and image of women is balanced and fair and where women have an equal share of positions at all levels in mainstream, digital and community media.
IAWRT has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The United States Chapter has a special role due to its proximity to UN Headquarters in New York and in relationships with ECOSOC and UN Women. In partnership with other organizations, IAWRT-USA organizes parallel events at the annual session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) where activists from around the world gather at the United Nations to discuss issues of concern for women and gender. IAWRT-USA regularly participates in UN meetings, giving input in developing international policy.
Special initiatives of IAWRT-USA include taking the lead for NYC4CEDAW, part of the national Cities for CEDAW initiative, working to institutionalize gender rights in New York City. IAWRT-USA has developed My Climate Change Story: Cellphone Cinema, offering training in using cellphones to produce short documentaries documenting how climate change is affecting our communities and uploading videos to IAWRT USA’s YouTube channel, My Climate Change Story.
OUR MISSION
IAWRT’s mission is to facilitate the change and transformation described in its vision by supporting all efforts for ensuring the space for and impact of women in media through knowledge and information sharing; research and advocacy and policymaking, networking and building collaborations and cooperation; training and capacity building; enhancing capabilities of women in media while safeguarding freedom of expression including freedom of press and promoting inclusion and diversity in media.
OUR VISION
Furthermore, IAWRT envisions a world where women have an equal voice, and space in community media (rural and urban), as citizen journalists and equal partners in agenda-setting, dialogue and debate.