Welcome!
I am delighted to greet you today and to welcome you to the website of the Federation of International Women’s Associations in London (‘FIWAL’).
Now in its twenty-sixth year, FIWAL is an umbrella organization serving its 35 member organizations. Besides being a conduit for the sharing of knowledge, experience and resources, FIWAL offers exciting opportunities for members of its affiliated organizations to socialise and to learn about other cultures.
Members of our affiliated organizations are generally expatriate women living in the Greater London area. While some are here only on a short-term assignment, others have elected to make London their permanent home. Each club has a calendar of events that enables its members to connect with others from their homeland. However, through the FIWAL affiliation, their members can also enjoy a wide array of opportunities to explore this great city in the company of other nationalities. Through FIWAL, they are afforded invaluable opportunities to build friendships with women from all corners of the globe. London is very much a multi-cultural city and FIWAL enables people to enjoy a truly multi-cultural experience.
For the most part, FIWAL affiliate clubs have a charitable arm, a designated charity or an on-going plan to support those in need – usually back in their homeland. Generally speaking, it is this philanthropic dimension that underpins and sustains our member clubs, many of which have been in existence for decades. Moreover, it is often this concern for others that draws our member clubs together. Fundraising events, namely holiday fayres, lectures and social gatherings are organized by member clubs with invitations extended to other FIWAL affiliated organizations.
Over the years, FIWAL has organized a number of hugely successful conferences enabling delegates to hear distinguished speakers addressing current affairs and societal issues, generally pertaining to women. The following are a few of our past conference topics:
a) the plight of the young across cultures opened by HRH The Princess Anne, President of Save the Children Fund and addressed by Camilla Batmanghelidjh of Kid’s Company among others;
b) women of vision, with Zainab Salbi, founder and chairwoman of “Women for Women International” as keynote speaker
c) the environment
d) women’s health – diagnosis and prevention.
We are now planning our 2012 Conference. Details will be posted on this website as soon as they are finalized.
In closing, I do hope you will visit this website often to find out more about FIWAL and our member clubs’ many activities. Together, we are working to build bridges between cultures and nationalities living in London. Do join one our member clubs and come along to a FIWAL event. We would be delighted to have you join us.
With every good wish,
Margaret Wickware
President, FIWAL 2011-2012
