Federation of Asia-Pacific Women's Associations

Asia-Pacific Women United for Service

The Federation of Asia-Pacific Women's Associations (FAWA) convenes a biennial convention hosted by the country of its President. Over the years, these conventions have addressed pressing regional and global issues, ensuring that women across the Asia-Pacific remain informed, engaged, and empowered to respond to challenges impacting their lives and communities.

FAWA's membership comprises women's organisations from Guam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan (ROC), Malaysia, and Hawaii. The Singapore Women's Association (SWA) is proud to be a founding member since 1959.

Participation in FAWA conventions represents a key training and development opportunity for SWA members, providing valuable platforms for knowledge exchange, leadership growth, and regional collaboration. SWA has also played an active role in FAWA's leadership, with its President and members serving on the FAWA Board and contributing meaningfully to its continued development.

Recent FAWA Conventions

  • 2016 – Singapore — The Future of Humanity: Leaving a Legacy
  • 2018 – Philippines — Our Heritage – Women for Peace
  • 2023 – Japan — Women as the Key Force – For Change in the Asia Pacific Region
  • 2025 – Taiwan (ROC) — Women in an AI Era: Breaking Barriers, Inspiring Change

The next FAWA Convention will be held in Guam in 2027, continuing its tradition of fostering unity, leadership, and service among women in the Asia-Pacific region.

History of FAWA

The Federation of Asian Women's Association was first conceived in 1952 by the late Geronima T. Pecson, one of the noted figures of the National Federation of Women's Club (NFWC) of the Philippines. On February 23, 1959, 33 women groups in 15 countries were sent letters inviting Asian women leaders to meet coinciding with the 68th Convention of GFWC (General Federation of Women's Club), which was to be held in Manila from June 20 to 26, 1959. In her letter, she proposed the organisation of the Federation of Asian Women's Clubs "so as to affect not only closer relations but also more effective planning and execution of programmes for social welfare."

With her second letter on May 19, 1959, Mrs Laudico sent with her invitation, a draft list of objectives, a suggested structure, a draft programme of action and a draft constitution.

The Meeting of the women leaders began formally on June 17, at 9.00 am at the Little Theatre of the Arellano University. With the documents for discussions sent in advance, and considering the capacity of the participants, the decision to organise the Federation of Asian Women's Associations was decided in no time. The constitution was approved and the following were declared the Chartered Members:

  • Myanmar (Burma) - Union of Burma Council of Women's Association
  • Guam - Guam Women's Club
  • Laos - Laos Women's Club
  • Singapore - Singapore Women's Association (then known as Singapore Federation of Girls' Clubs)
  • The Republic of China - Taipei International Women's Club, Chinese Women Anti-Aggression League and YWCA
  • Thailand - Thai Culture Women's Club
  • Vietnam - International Women's Association
  • Vietnam - International Women's Association

The Delegates of India, Japan and Korea joined the meeting later.

The founding members of FAWA were highly academically qualified political association leaders. What they accomplished during two days is a landmark in Asian history. FAWA was organised to effect major changes in the status of women. The aim was to create opportunities for women to get together and discuss problems, which affect Asian countries and communities and to try and find solutions to these problems. It was also to provide an opportunity for women to be exposed to and to better understand the various Asian cultures, traditions and ways of life that are different from their own.

The holding of periodic conventions and meetings in different member countries was decided for the purpose of strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation, rendering periodic reports, evaluating and improving and updating action programmes. The themes and proceedings of each convention reflect the issues of the times.

FAWA 25th Convention group photo in Taiwan, 2025 FAWA Board members for the 2025 to 2027 term 2025 Board Installation ceremony at the FAWA Convention SWA Delegates at the 25th FAWA Convention SWA Performance Team at the FAWA Convention Presenting souvenir to the FAWA Convention organiser Workshop on Women and Health at the FAWA Convention Workshop on Women and Climate Change at the FAWA Convention Workshop on Women and Technology at the FAWA Convention Workshop on Women and Peace at the FAWA Convention FAWA Convention delegates at the 22nd FAWA Convention hosted by SWA in Singapore FAWA members at an international women's association gathering FAWA Convention group photo of Asia-Pacific women leaders FAWA delegates during a convention session FAWA women leaders at a regional programme event FAWA members participating in a cultural exchange activity FAWA Convention ceremony with Asia-Pacific women representatives FAWA delegates at a networking reception during the convention