Who we are
The International Women’s Forum UK (IWF UK) is a high-trust, cross-sector community of pioneering women leaders committed to shaping a more inclusive future. As one of the first non-US chapter of the International Women’s Forum, we connect extraordinary women across business, public life, the arts, science, and beyond, locally and globally.
Now in our fourth decade, we continue to grow in reach, diversity, and impact. We offer exclusive events, mentoring programmes, and thought leadership that connect and empower members and the next generation. Whether online or in person, IWF UK is a space to be heard, to lead with purpose, and to build lasting connections with women who are driving change, together. Our current chair is Anne Minto OBE - a highly respected and experienced global executive having served on the boards of international companies, not-for-profit and Higher Education organisations. She has a strong track record in leadership development, corporate governance and ethics as well as promoting equal pay, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Our Story
Founded in 1989 by six visionary women - Mary Baker, Heather Brigstocke, Jean Denton, Barbara Hosking, Rosalind Gilmore, and Katharine Whitehorn. IWF UK was born out of a need for a dedicated space where senior women could collaborate, lead, and inspire at a time when leadership was still dominated by men. As founder Rosalind Gilmore noted, "the UK Forum put the ‘I’ into IWF.”
Our first Chair, the indomitable Jean Denton, Baroness Denton of Wakefield, embodied the bold spirit of our community. Today, we honour her legacy through the annual Jean Denton Lecture, which has featured influential speakers such as Baroness Hale of Richmond, Baroness Manningham-Buller, Professor Susan Vinnicombe CBE, Margaret Heffernan, Dr Heather Melville OBE and Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO, CBE.
In 2024, we marked our 35th Anniversary with a vibrant celebration that honoured our past while looking boldly to the future, bringing together members across the UK, Ireland, and France. The programme included behind the scenes tours including Southwark Cathedral - with fascinating insights into the Women of Southwark. We also celebrated with a private tea at the House of Lords, and a joyful 80s-themed party. These milestone events reflected the strength of our global sisterhood and the enduring impact of the visionary women who founded our Forum.