The Working Group on Women in Astronomy was formed during the XXVth IAU General Assembly in Sydney, Australia, July 2003.

The role of the IAU's WG for Women in Astronomy includes:

1. monitoring the status of women in astronomy and recommending future actions that will improve the environment for all astronomers;
2. liaising with committees and working groups on women in astronomy that are part of various national societies;
3. be responsible for organising formal WG sessions at future IAU General Assemblies;
4. organise international follow-up meeting to the Baltimore and Pasadena Women in Astronomy meetings;
5. plan outreach events at IAU symposia and colloquia, ensuring a high profile of women astronomers at local events;
6. provide a voice for women in non-western countries to ensure they are well represented in the international community; and
7. maintain a list of international women who are willing to be on SOCs, serve on peer review panels, and such, as well as provide lists of potential colloquium/conference speakers.