4W Initiative
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A local-to-global, research-to-practice initiative for Women & Wellbeing in Wisconsin & the World.
Drawing on the strengths of the School of Human Ecology, the Global Health Institute, the Department of Gender and Women’s Studies, student organizations and partners from government and civil society, the UW-Madison has convened a campus-wide initiative (4W) which aims to make life better for women and make the world better for all.
4W VISION
To make life better for women and make the world better for all.
4W MISSION
To leverage the strengths of UW-Madison to be a convener and leading voice in education, applied research, and impactful engagement to promote global wellbeing and full participation of women in society. The 4W Initiative is grounded in principles of equal human rights for women and girls, and recognizes the important role that women play in sustaining families, communities, civil society, local and global economies and our earth. This initiative will explore gender roles historically, across cultures, and into the future, to inform the transformation of environments and institutions so that they make the world better for women, support human flourishing for all, and sustainable healthy communities and ecosystems everywhere. As a result of authentic and interwoven scholarship, practice, and advocacy we will achieve national and international recognition as an institutional leader in education, applied research and impactful engagement related to women, leadership, and wellbeing.
4W CORE PRINCIPLES:
4W core principles build on each other, beginning with basic needs and freedom from harm, and aspiring toward full agency and global leadership. 4W activities will incorporate the following: 1) basic needs and human rights; 2) equality for women; 3) leadership; 4) fully inclusive sustainable communities.
09/15/2026
4W is excited to be at The International Majors and Opportunities Fair again this year! 🌍❤️ This event will be held on Wednesday 9/23/26 in the Gordon Dining and Event Center from 3:00-5:00pm. You can learn about the many majors, certificates, funding and scholarship opportunities, student organizations, events, and post-graduate support and programming on campus that has an international component. Use the QR code in the flyers to see a list of which units will be attending. Questions? Contact the International Studies Major Advisor, Molly Donnellan, at [email protected].
09/02/2026
We welcome you to join the Memory Collectors Storytelling Project tomorrow evening, September 3rd from 4pm-6pm, at the Central Library in Madison, WI for the opening reception of their quilt exhibit “Recollection: The Stories that Stay - An Intergenerational Exhibition Exploring Memory and Meaning.” Open to all!
08/27/2026
08/03/2026
The 4W Initiative honors Barbara Nichols — a leader in the field of nursing and beloved in so many communities that she was part of!
Barbara Nichols, First Black Nurse to Lead the ANA, Dies at 87 Barbara Nichols, the first Black president of the American Nurses Association and a lifelong champion of the profession, has died at 87. Here is her legacy.
04/30/2026
We are a week away from the 5th Annual Maehkīw Enāhpes-Red Dress event in Madison where we will unite in solidarity amplifying the voices of our families and uplifting the truths of our missing and murdered relatives.
✊🏽♥️
04/30/2026
You’re invited to join the UNA-USA Dane County Chapter of Madison, WI in their third annual Women’s Summit on May 2nd (this Saturday!) at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E Gorham St.
This year’s theme is:
“The Digital Continuum of Violence Against Women: Why This Matters Now – Policy, Advocacy, and Community Responses.”
There will be an international market beginning at 11:00 AM. All are welcome to attend! There is no cost to attend the summit, and the event will begin with a complimentary international lunch.
Please register in advance using the QR code or at the link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRHVx65EiAV9j5uXARMXc6ywJ-j1Gl8Brh8e7PJhN_Zs17QQ/viewform
04/21/2026
We are so excited to support our 2025 4W Grantee Adejumoke (Jummy) Olopade in the launch of her podcast "Birthing Beyond Borders" ❤️
Go to https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593370 or scan the QR code to access full episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts!
Please join us in celebrating her hard work! 🎉
Project Description: This project amplifies the voices of African immigrant mothers in the U.S., focusing on their experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
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1300 Linden Drive
Madison, WI
53704