Advocacy

The International Council of Women (ICW) is committed to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls worldwide.
Through its global network, ICW promotes policies and initiatives that support equality between women and men, strengthen women’s leadership, and uphold fundamental human rights.

Our advocacy work spans a wide range of issues, including economic and social development, education, health, the prevention of violence, family and community welfare, peacebuilding, and women’s access to justice.

By engaging with international institutions, national councils, and civil society partners, ICW contributes to shaping frameworks that enable women to participate fully and equally in all areas of life.

Guided by more than a century of dedication to equality and social progress, ICW continues to champion the voices of women and promote positive, lasting change across all regions.

Resolutions:

At each General Assembly, the International Council of Women (ICW) adopts resolutions that reflect the priorities, concerns, and ambitions of women around the world. These resolutions are the collective voice of our National Councils and serve as strategic guidance for action at local, national, regional, and international levels.

They reaffirm ICW’s long-standing commitment to promoting women’s rights, advancing equality, and strengthening the well-being of women and girls in all their diversity. By voting on these resolutions, members shape ICW’s advocacy agenda, mobilize public opinion, and influence policy within the United Nations system and beyond.

The resolutions adopted during the General Assembly stand as a call to action—urging governments, institutions, and civil society to work together to build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world for all women and girls.

2026, February 16 - Statements (International Women’s Day)
Statement of the International Council of Women to mark 2026 International Women’s Day: RIGHTS, JUSTICE, ACTION for all Women and Girls
2025, June 27 - Triennial Themes
2025-2028 Triennal Theme – Women’s Empowerment and Leadership: a Quantum Leap for Peace, Progress and Equality

This theme, adopted as the ICW triennial work programme by the General Assembly in Marrakech, will guide the activities of our National Councils around the world. It underscores the transformative impact of women’s empowerment and leadership in building a more peaceful, equitable, and forward-looking society. By strengthening women’s participation at all levels, we aim to accelerate progress, advance gender equality, and promote inclusive development. This shared focus will shape our collective efforts and advocacy initiatives as we work toward meaningful and lasting change.

Statements (CSW)
CSW70 – 2026, March
Resolutions
37th General Assembly – Marrakech, Morocco – 2025, June 23-28
Statements (International Day of Peace)
ICW-CIF Statement to mark the International Day of Peace – 2025, September 21
Statements (CSW)
CSW69 – 2025, March
Triennial Themes
2022-2025 Triennal Theme – Women’s Empowerment: Peace and Sustainable Development

Adopted by the ICW General Assembly in Avignon, this triennial theme calls on all National Councils to strengthen women’s leadership and drive change in their communities. It highlights the power of empowered women to advance peace, promote equality, and support sustainable development. This Action Plan sets out our shared priorities and concrete steps to translate these goals into real progress worldwide.

Statements (International Day of Peace)
ICW-CIF Statement to mark the International Day of Peace – 2024, September 21
Statements (CSW)
CSW68 – 2024, March
Statements (International Day of Peace)
ICW-CIF Statement to mark the International Day of Peace – 2023, September 21
Resolutions
36th General Assembly – Avignon, France – 2022, May 16-21
Triennial Themes
2018-2021 Triennal Theme – Social protection for all women and girls: Sustainable development for the world

Ensuring social protection for all women and girls is essential to building resilient communities and achieving lasting progress. By guaranteeing access to rights, services, and opportunities, we lay the foundation for sustainable development worldwide—a world where every woman and girl can live with dignity, security, and equal chances to thrive.
Adopted by the ICW General Assembly in Yogyakarta, this triennial theme calls on all National Councils to advance concrete measures that strengthen social protection systems and ensure that every woman and girl is safeguarded, supported, and empowered throughout her life.

Resolutions
35th General Assembly – Yogyakarta, Indonesia – 2018, September 13-18
Triennial Themes
2015-2018 Triennal Theme – Transforming Society through the Empowerment of Women

At its General Assembly in Izmir, the International Council of Women (ICW) adopted a bold action plan under the triennial theme “Transforming Society through the Empowerment of Women.” This plan reaffirms a shared conviction: empowering women is one of the most powerful drivers of social progress. By strengthening women’s rights, leadership, and access to opportunities, we accelerate positive change in communities, institutions, and societies worldwide.Guided by this vision, ICW National Councils are called to implement concrete initiatives that advance equality, protect women’s rights, and help build more just, inclusive, and resilient societies for all.

Resolutions
34th General Assembly – Izmir, Republic of Turkey – 2015, May/June
Resolutions
33rd General Assembly – Seoul, Republic of Korea – 2012, September
Resolutions
32nd General Assembly – Johannesburg, South Africa – 2009, October 13-20
Resolutions
ICW-CIF General Assembly – Kiev, Ukraine – 2006
Resolutions
30th General Assembly – Perth, Western Australia – 2003, August 31 – September 5
Resolutions
29th General Assembly – Helsinki, Finland – 2000, July 02-08
Resolutions
1888-1979 GA Adopted Resolutions