Dr Bina Roy (1914-1994), teacher and educational advisor from India, was the first Asian President of the International Federation of University Women. She believed that friendly and supportive links should be forged among IFUW affiliates to provide strong international solidarity, while encouraging and aiding the creation and implementation of projects. Her dream became reality in 1978 with the establishment of the Counterpart Aid Programme. It has since been renamed in her memory, the Bina Roy Partners in Development Programme.

To date nearly 60% of IFUW's national federations and associations have participated in the programme, either as project sponsors or donor partners.