Independent members
Independent Members
I ndependent membership of Graduate Women International (GWI) provides access to GWI’s global network of women graduates, connecting you to peers, advocacy initiatives, and international dialogue on education for women and girls. It is designed for those who do not have access to a national GWI affiliate or who choose to engage directly at the international level.
What Independent Membership offers
- International affiliation – Be part of a recognized global organization in consultative status with the United Nations
- Shared purpose – Engage with members across countries working toward equitable access to education for women and girls
- Global network – Connect with graduate women across regions and disciplines
- Access to initiatives – Participate in GWI advocacy, projects, and knowledge-sharing opportunities
- Information and engagement – Receive webinars, publications, and direct communications from the GWI Office
- Visibility – Contribute to and benefit from the international recognition of members’ work and perspectives
Independent membership ensures that women graduates—regardless of location—can engage with and contribute to a collective international voice on education and women’s rights.
Before you apply.
If there is a National Federation or Association (NFA) in your country of residence, you are encouraged to contact them first regarding membership in their national or local organization. Membership through an NFA includes both national and GWI membership under a single fee. In many cases, national membership fees are comparable to—or lower than—the independent membership fee. See GWI member NFAs here.
Joining through an NFA also offers the advantage of engagement at local and national levels, including meetings, projects, and direct collaboration with graduate women in your country.
No NFA in our country?
If there is no NFA in your country, you are welcome to join GWI as an independent member:
What Independent Membership offers.
- International affiliation – Be part of a recognized global organization in consultative status with the United Nations.
- Shared purpose – Engage with members across countries working toward equitable access to education for women and girls.
- Global network – Connect with graduate women across regions and disciplines.
- Access to initiatives – Participate in GWI advocacy, projects, and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
- Information and engagement – Receive webinars, publications, and direct communications from the GWI Office.
- Visibility – Contribute to and benefit from the international recognition of members’ work and perspectives.
Independent membership ensures that women graduates—regardless of location—can engage with and contribute to a collective international voice on education and women’s rights.
Subscription fees
The annual independent membership fee is CHF 100, covering the calendar year from January to December. Payment is due in January for the full year.
A reduced rate of CHF 50 is available for women residing in countries with a low per capita Gross National Income (GNI). Please consult the list of eligible countries. Eligibility is determined by country of residence, not country of origin.
Payment terms
- Fees may be paid in Swiss francs (CHF) or US dollars (USD)
- Membership fees are not waived.
- Refunds are not issued; please ensure that the correct fee is selected based on your country of residence.
Membership is valid only for the calendar year in which payment is made, regardless of the date of joining. A renewal reminder will be sent in January of the following year.
Important consideration
Where a National Federation or Association (NFA) exists in your country, national membership is recommended. In many cases, national fees are comparable to—or lower than—the independent membership fee. A single payment to the NFA includes both national and GWI membership, while also providing access to local networks, activities, and meetings within your country.
