Women from eleven countries found the International Union of Catholic Women’s Leagues with the aim of defending the faith, religious freedoms and promoting Catholic social action under the guidance of the Pope.

After the interruption caused by World War I, the Union publicly resumes its work and continues to grow in number of organisations and international presence.

Pope Pius XI encourages the Union to continue its work and to collaborate with other organisations in defence of Christian and social values.

The Union obtains consultative status with ECOSOC and other UN agencies, allowing the voices of Catholic women to be amplified on a global level.

New statutes are approved and the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations (WUCWO) is officially established, representing millions of women across the five continents.

The president of WUCWO participates as an auditor at the Second Vatican Council, bringing a woman’s voice to key issues such as the family and Christian formation.

The first regional conferences emerge and a stronger commitment to ecumenism and the promotion of women in all areas begins.

The Holy See confirms WUCWO as a Public International Association of the Faithful, legitimising its mission to speak and act on behalf of the Church.

The General Assembly is held in Jerusalem with gratitude, celebrating one hundred years of history, mission and commitment to the promotion and participation of Catholic women.