Io International (formerly Isis International) began as a small collective of women in the 1970s, working out of homes in Rome, Italy, and Geneva, Switzerland. The founding group—Marilee, Jane, and Judy—gathered information from women’s grassroots groups and feminist organizations worldwide, sharing it as widely as possible with other women activists.

Driven by the belief that information is power, they recognized that women needed greater access to information to influence the policy decisions impacting their lives. Networking was crucial: women needed to connect, support, and learn from each other to advance women’s rights globally. Over the decades, Isis expanded into three sister organizations in Rome, Geneva, and Santiago, and later relocated its primary base to Manila, Philippines. This move aligned with the organization’s focus on the Global South and leveraged strong local ties.

In 2018, Isis rebranded as Io International due to geopolitical concerns but remained dedicated to supporting and strengthening feminist movement building, leadership, and advocacy. The team is composed of intergenerational feminists from various regions, operating with a mix of staff, volunteers, and a board. The narrative also briefly highlights BnI, an affiliated service offering affordable accommodations and event spaces with personalized support. Throughout its history, the organization supported some of the first international feminist meetings in Europe, running on a shoestring budget but fueled by the energy and commitment of women and feminist activists worldwide.