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WAM International supports the establishment of WAM chapters throughout the world. To form a WAM chapter, WAM International requires the following:
- Adherence to the WAM Mission Statement (See SECTION 2: MISSION)
- Adherence to the WAM Values Statement (See SECTION 3: VALUES)
Please contact us to learn more about establishing a WAM chapter in your city.
Operating Principles of Women Advancing Microfinance (WAM)
ARTICLE 1: BACKGROUND, NAME, MISSION AND VALUES
SECTION 1: NAME.
The name of the organization is Women Advancing Microfinance (WAM).
SECTION 2: MISSION.
The mission of WAM is to advance the microfinance industry by supporting women in the industry in their professional development, promoting leadership opportunities, and increasing visibility of their participation and talent while maintaining a work/life balance.
SECTION 3: VALUES.
WAM's agreed upon values are as follows:
- Advancing the microfinance industry
- Supporting professional growth of women in the industry
- Extending economic opportunities to women globally
- Maintaining women's leadership in the industry
- Expanding the participation of women in management and governance roles
- Continuing to raise gender issues with a collective voice
- Focusing on activities that are results oriented
- Supporting a work/life balance.
SECTION 4: BACKGROUND ON THE FORMATION OF WAM.
Although other microfinance networking organizations exist (the Microfinance Club of New York and the Microfinance Mixer), there is no organization for women professionals in microfinance. The original discussions focused on creating a group that would not only support women in the microfinance industry, but would promote leadership, increase visibility, showcase talent - all while recognizing the need for balance with one's personal life.
The initial group called upon a cross section of other senior women in the microfinance industry to support and found this new endeavor. Through a series of consultations and meetings, an initial working group of the founders was formed that worked together to determine the structure, mission and activities of the new organization. By fall of 2003, these decisions were finalized and WAM was launched.
Each Founder of WAM made a one-time financial contribution of $200 for the start-up of the organization. The Founders also selected the initial Steering Committee and Executive Committee which managed and governed the new organization during its first years of operation.
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