Mary Ward International Australia Information

Mary Ward International Australia (MWIA) is a registered charity established by the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) to address the needs of the most disadvantaged in Australia and developing countries around the world. Inspired by the founder of the Loreto sisters, Mary Ward (1609), MWIA is committed to working towards a more just world where there is respect for the dignity of each person and equal opportunity for all. In particular, MWIA aims to achieve the empowerment of women and children. MWIA is part of the wider Mary Ward International Network established in 2002. As such, the Loreto Sisters and their colleagues are working on the ground, supporting projects across 23 countries. Since 2006, MWIA has been providing support to many of these projects that align with our vision to create sustainable change for a just and loving world by empowering women to transform unjust structures that keep them in situations of poverty, marginalisation and submission. MWIA creates ways for people associated with our projects to collaborate with our mission for justice and development. This occurs through:Building partnerships and working together to achieve changeSeeking sustainable funding optionsRaising awareness about significant social justice issuesEducating and empowering individuals and communities to take actionEncouraging groups to fundraise and make donationsPromoting volunteering as a way of communityThe wider Mary Ward International Network operates in every Loreto province around the world and aims to:Promote awareness of and interest in IBVM life and missionForge and maintain ties with former students and friendsForm links with partners such as international agencies, IBVM institutions and communitiesSeek monetary support for IBVM projects throughout the world