The International Women’s House in Rome is located in the former complex called “Good Shepherd”. It was designed in 1983 for social purposes, particularly in regards to women’s citizenship. Moreover, granted, in part, to the Centro Femminista Separatista (CFS), it consists of ten associations and groups from the feminist movement, which in return, left the International Women’s House situated on Via del Governo Vecchio.
The Occupation of 1987 of the 17th century wing was assigned to the S. Croce Institution alla Lungara. There was a long negotiation between the municipality and the Associazione federativa femminista internazionale (Affi), the International Federal Feminist Association, for the restoration and giving of the building to the feminist association. The project Casa Internazionale delle Donne, sustained by the coordination of women elected by the Municipality was approved in 1992.
The International Women’s House is a self-financed not-for-profit organization. The common goal of this organization is to promote awareness and interest of the community. It is a place where politics, culture and services are discussed and combined within the city center. Its objective is creating a national and international hospitable community. The organization works on promoting the rights, culture, knowledge, experiences and policies produced by and for women.
The development of different sectors and services of the International Women’s House by now have become stable. This is evident especially when compared to the broad and continuous growth of activities and initiatives, which were produced by associations in the International House, but also from other movements and institutions that integrate and collaborate with the same goals in mind.
The priorities at the International Women’s House are tied to issues related to self-determination and to free reproductive health choices, but also to political commitments. Casa Internazionale delle Donne listens to the demands of society, which have resulted in the expansion of other areas such as:
- the contrast between sexism and racism
- institutional problems versus popular problems
- the support of women in distress and/or victims of violence
- the mafia and organized crime
- environmental justice
- a new vision of the city and of the urban organization
- international cooperation
- attention and support to the women’s artistic production, from directors to writers, to painters, and more.
The magnificent scenery of the International House is home to theatrical events, music, entertainment, and a growing number of important activities, making the International Women’s House a cultural engine for women’s actions.