We are a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Goals

•	Develop a sustainable program for the repair of vesico-vaginal fistulas.
•	Provide an adequate environment for post operative care for the fistula women.
•	Provide educational and vocational training for fistula-repaired patients.

The International Organization for Women and Development, Inc. (IOWD) is committed to working with the Nigerien people in creating a self sustaining program that addresses the repair and rehabilitation of the fistula women in this West African country. We believe that with sharing medical knowledge, surgical skills, and providing educational and vocational skills in the rehabilitation of the repaired fistula women, the Nigerien people will ultimately take charge of this program. Nigeriens doctors will teach their own colleagues how to repair fistulas; Nigerien men and women will teach literacy and vocational skills to the fistula repaired women. In time, women must be educated as to the need for medical help when pregnant, and more cesarean deliveries must be made available to women. Nigeriens can and will take responsibility for improving their own lives and helping others to do the same!

IOWD realizes that this project will take time, cooperation, dedication and funding. We believe that if Americans and Nigeriens "stand together", we can accomplish our goals and make a difference in the lives of many young women.

IOWD is proud to announce that we have expanded our programs in Niger to provide health education, which includes malaria prevention, to students and fistula patients; and training in capacity building for nurses and mid-wives.

History

On one of her numerous trips to Niger for the U. S. State Department's International Information Program in Africa,  Barbara Margolies was introduced to the fistula problem by Madam Aicha Foumakoye - then Minister of Social Development for Niger.

In August of 03, International Organization for Women and Development, Inc was formed. The purpose of the organization is to bring volunteer surgeons to operate on the fistula women, and at the same time, train Nigerien surgeons in these same skills. The goal is to make this a self sustaining Nigerien program.

Our first medical mission took place in October 2003. As of October 2008, IOWD surgical teams have returned to Niger 20 times and have performed approximately to 1,000 surgeries.

Barbara A. Margolies, Founder and  Executive Director of IOWD, is an educator, author, lecturer and photographer. For the past 26 years, Ms. Margolies has been
involved in various health and developmental projects throughout Africa. Click here to read her biography.

IOWD is proud to announce that Dr. Hillel Tobias,
internationally known physician, has joined our Executive Board of Directors.Click here to read his biography.

IOWD Board of Directors are:
Ambassador Barbro Owens-Kirkpatrick Click here to read her biography.
Ira Margolies Click here to read his biography.
Greg Margolies Click here to read his biography.
Dr. Tobias Click here to read his biography.

Contact Information

International Organization for Women and Development, Inc.
P.O. Box 616
Rockville Centre, New York 11571-0616

info@iowd.org