The IAWG strives to ensure that fair royalties and residuals are collected by enforcement of copyrights.

A core function is the registering of scripts to verify original authorship.

Most affiliates also have annual award ceremonies to celebrate accomplishments in the craft.

It gradually grew, but in 1986 it was replaced by the "International Affiliation of Writers' Guilds", with its founding members all being in English-speaking countries.

In 2007, it organised an International Day of Solidarity with the Writers Guild of America strike.