International Association of Women in Radio and Television
The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) is a women's organization involved in the broadcasting industry.
History
IAWRT was founded in 1949 and held the first conference of its own in 1951.
One of the founders of the organization, Willemien Hendrika (Posthumus-) van der Goot,[1] left an extensive collection of papers from its early years, which are housed at the IIAV (Internationaal Informatiecentrum en Archief voor de Vrouwenbeweging), a major women's archive based in Amsterdam.[2]
During the 1950s through 1980s, IAWRT was a friendship organization between women journalists on either side of the Iron Curtain, intended to promote peace. At first, only one member from each country was permitted to join. As times changed, IAWRT became more of a north-south friendship organization for media women.
Current status
The organization today has many chapters across the world and continues to hold conferences.
The 2007 conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya.
The President for 2005-2007 is Frieda Werden of Canada.
The United Nations Representative is Mal Johnson of the US. The Awards Coordinator is Gerd Inger Polden from Norway.