Advancing women's leadership through thought and dialogue
Building a better future through compassion
The International Network of Women Leaders (INWL) is a globalcommunity of women experts and leaders — researchers, policymakers,entrepreneurs, and practitioners — working across more than 25 countries toadvance the full development of women. We do this through research andscholarship, conferences and mentorship, and public dialogue grounded in thelived realities of women today.
INWL began when a group of women from different countries andfields of expertise recognized a common absence: spaces where women couldgenuinely meet, reflect, and think together about what it means to live as awoman in the modern world. That recognition has grown into a network united bya commitment to a more grounded, inclusive, and thoughtful feminism.
WHAT WE DO
Our work takes three forms:
Knowledge — We produce feminist research, essays,and periodical publications that treat women's lived experience — acrosseconomic, social, cultural, and civic life — as a legitimate source of insight.
Community — We convene our network throughconferences, forums, and mentorship programs that connect established leaderswith the next generation, creating space for accompaniment and mutual growthogether.
Influence — We carry what we learn beyond our ownnetwork — into public debate, partner institutions, and policy conversations —so our research and dialogue contribute to lasting change for women.
OUR FOUNDATION
Our work is grounded in moral principles that emerge acrosscultures, histories, and traditions — principles that affirm the dignity ofevery person, the value of solidarity, and our shared responsibility to oneanother. Our thinking is further informed by Catholicsocial teaching's emphasis on human dignity, care for the vulnerable, and thecommon good.
This foundation is not a test of belief, identity, or belonging.It is a moral orientation — one that shapes the questions we ask and the carewe bring to disagreement — and it keeps our community open to women of everybackground who share our commitment to this work.
Meet Our Leaders
The International Network of Women Leaders is led by a distinguished group of scholars, practitioners, and advocates who bring decades of expertise and global perspective to the network’s mission.
Maria Alejandra Segura
President
María Alejandra Segura has more than 20 years of professional experience in research, teaching, and fundraising in defense of women’s and children’s rights.
María Cruz Díaz de Terán
Vice President
Tenured professor of Philosophy of Law at the University of Navarra and a member of the Gustavo Cisneros Chair for Ibero-American Studies.
Sofia Bergoglio
Executive Secretary
Since September 2025, Sofia has been promoting the strategic development of the Network through research, reflection, and institutional strenghtening processes.
Board members
Lara Bersano Calot
Board Member
Paola Binetti
Board Member
Marcela Chavarria
Board Member
Julieta Lujambio
Board Member
Flaminia Giovanelli
Board Member
Raquel Ivonne Vergas Ascencio
Board Member
A Global Network
1,150
members
25
countries that hold members and / or partners
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, policymaker, educator, entrepreneur, or advocate, there is a place for you in this network. We welcome those who seek not only to understand the challenges facing women today, but also to contribute to the knowledge, relationships, and collective action that will shape a more equitable tomorrow.