About

The OWA, a non-profit, charitable organization operated under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, was founded in 1997. Its members comprise lady Ambassadors, accredited to the Organization of American States (OAS) as Permanent Representatives or Observers, the wives of Ambassadors, who are Permanent Representatives and Observers to the OAS, Alternates, wives of Alternates, the wife of the Secretary General, the wife of the Assistant Secretary General; as well as associate members.

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The principal objectives of the OWA are to sensitize the public on the needs and problems of women and children in the Americas, to strengthen the ties between member countries of the OAS; and to unite the diplomatic community and citizens of the Americas who live in the metropolitan area of Washington D.C., with a view to organizing and promoting fund-raising and other activities that assist institutions and programs that promote the well-being of women and children in the Region. OWA also seeks to showcase the cultures of the member countries of the OAS.

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Since it was founded, the OWA has made contributions to numerous organizations, including the Oncology Section of the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; the Caribbean American Intercultural Organization; the OAS program to help landmine victims in Central America; the “Casa Rosada” home for children with AIDS in the Dominican Republic; Programs of Mother Theresa of Calcutta’s Missionaries of Charity in Washington, D.C.; the Arc en Ciel Orphanage in Haiti; the “Mundo Mejor” Foundation in Colombia; and the Sisters of Mother Theresa in Peru.

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One of its main fund-raising events is the Food Festival of the Americas which is held on the grounds of the OAS in the spring. The Festival showcases the cuisines, music, dance and other performances from among the countries of Latin America, the Caribbean and Observer members of the OAS.

Another important activity is the Gala, which takes place in November. For this event, as in the case of the Food Festival of the Americas, the OWA relies on its valuable partnership with the Permanent and Observer Missions to the OAS as well as the generous support of many individuals and corporate entities.

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Our Mission

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The principle objectives of the OWA are:

• To sensitize the public on the needs and problems of women and children in the Americas;

• To strengthen the ties between member countries of the OAS;

• To unite the diplomatic community and citizens of the Americas who live in the metropolitan area of Washington, DC with a view to organizing and promoting fund-raising and other activities that assist institutions and programs that promote the well-being of women and children in the region, and;

• To showcase the cultures of the member countries of the OAS.