The CWF History

Founded in 1982 by 11 founding members - Christa Balser, Madeleine Brown, Anne Deschamps, Dorothy Frietas-Krul, Josy Gallagher, Malihé Hauri, Mary Krienke, Marie-Eliane Kroon, Danielle Maillefer, Berane Ras-Work, Felicity Strommer - the CWF now reunites some 300 women professionally active, without distinction of nationality, religion, or political opinion. Currently, over 30 nationalities and 40 professions are represented.

As a not-for-profit organization, the CWF is an Association under Swiss law, of which the General Assembly constitutes the supreme governing body. It convenes once yearly. Its executive committee comprises 6 members minimum, elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly and meets generally once a month.

Many of the founding members remain active in the Forum. Past presidents (now 13 of which 8 are still members) continue to drive initiatives and support projects together with the incumbent committee.

In 2007, the CWF celebrated it 25th anniversary with a milestone gala event where the founding President Anne Deschamps proudly recognized the achievements of the past quarter century.

The Forum is a bi-lingual association and all activities take place in either French or English or both.