Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies

The Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (IWES) was founded in 1993 in response to health disparities among women of color. IWES is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) community-based organization based in New Orleans, Louisiana. IWES is dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and spiritual health and quality of life for women of color and their families, especially those who are socio-economically disadvantaged.

IWES is a translational public health organization, having strong ties and established relationships with the community at a grassroots level, while working in partnership with academic institutions, public health entities, and policymakers. IWES endeavors to translate academic research, policy, and information into practical, effective, and culturally appropriate programs, activities and initiatives for communities of color, as well as successfully bringing the voices, perspectives, and experiences of the community to these institutions and entities. Our community based projects in Louisiana guide our national and international initiatives, ensuring that our efforts are authentic to the experiences of the women, youth and communities that we represent and serve.

IWES develops culturally proficient, multidisciplinary and holistic public health programs, activities, and research models for women, adolescents, and people of color that promote health and wellness. IWES partners with clinicians, women’s advocates, youth groups, public health organizations, governmental agencies, and community coalitions to promote and ensure the fundamental health rights of women and youth. IWES firmly believes in the inclusion of the voices and perspectives of the affected target population in the development of data gathering and programming, and has consistently utilized a ‘participatory action research’ (PAR) philosophy as the conceptual framework underlying its programs.

IWES has been a pioneer in creating innovative information, education, and communication projects and training opportunities to promote health awareness and activism for and by women and youth of color. IWES creates opportunity for dialogue and consensus building, information sharing and skills exchange, and multi-level advocacy and organizing locally, nationally, and internationally.

IWES is recognized as the premiere public health organization in health communication, education, and advocacy for women and youth of color locally in New Orleans and has emerged as an indispensable voice for women, youth and communities of color across the United States.

Our Vision

IWES aspires to empower, educate, and support women & youth of color by addressing the social. cultural, traditional, economic, and environmental factors that impact quality of life.

Our Mission

The mission of IWES is to imporve the physical, mental, and spiritual health and quality of life for women of color and their families.

Organizational Goals

IWES endeavors to fulfill its vision and accomplish its mission through four interconnected, enduring organizational goals.

♦ To develop culturally competent, holistic sexual and reproductive health programs, activities, and research models for women and youth of color.

♦ To cultivate medical/community-based working partnerships in information, education, communication, training, research, advocacy, and policy development.

♦ To encourage health equity among women, adolescents, and people of color by promoting racial and gender diversity among researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals.

♦ To network and build coalitions with other organizations working to improve the sexual health of disenfranchised populations, specifically women, adolescents, and people of color.