About the subgroup

Vision

To provide an international support network for member countries of World Physiotherapy to improve health and wellbeing in pelvic and women’s health.

Mission

As the international voice of physiotherapists working in the field of pelvic and women’s health, our mission is to:

• encourage collaboration between physiotherapy member country groups working in this area of interest
• improve health care internationally through facilitation and promotion of best-practice of pelvic and women’s health physiotherapy
• collaborate and facilitate communication and information exchange among our member groups

Our values

• integrity and transparency in what we do 
• respecting the diversity, culture, and values of our members
• encouraging professionalism and excellence in physiotherapy in pelvic and women’s health  

Strategic goals

• foster cooperation between member groups practicing in pelvic and women's health throughout the world
• encourage improved standards of practice and in education in pelvic and women's health care
• advance practice by communication and exchange of information between member groups
• encourage scientific research and promote opportunities for the spread of knowledge of new developments in the fields of pelvic and women's health
• assist World Physiotherapy member organisations develop recognised groups in pelvic and women's health.

Membership

IOPTPWH’s membership comprises recognised women’s health (or obstetrics/gynaecology) sub-sections of parent national physiotherapy organisations which are World Physiotherapy member organisations in good standing. More detailed information can be found in sections 4-6 of the IPOPTWH Constitution (PDF).

To gain membership you need to be a member of an officially recognised pelvic and/or women’s health subgroup of a national association that is a member of World Physiotherapy. If you would like to become a member of IOPTPWH, please contact our secretary. 

Friends

Physiotherapists from countries/territories not currently members of IOPTPWH can become part of the Friends group by contacting the IOPTPWH secretary. We encourage individuals to form interest groups in women's health within their country/territory if they do not currently exist.

Conferences

IOPTPWH is committed to offering educational opportunities and has held a conference or course every four years. These have either been run as part of a World Physiotherapy congress (pre-congress course or satellite programme) or as a stand-alone event. Future courses and conferences will be advertised on this site, and by direct email contact to delegates and friends of IOPTPWH.