Since its inception, FIWAL has hosted an annual conference, each with its own theme. This page provides a brief description of past conferences.
2011 – 25th Anniversary Luncheon
Monday, 9th May saw the celebration of the FIWAL’s 25th Anniversary with a splendid event held in the lovely surroundings of the Mayfair Hotel’s Crystal Room. The festivities began with a champagne reception, followed by a superb lunch which was enjoyed by a large turnout of member from all of FIWAL’s affiliated clubs. The grand raffle, with some spectacular prizes, was generously supported and more funds were raised when two return tickets, generously donated by Turkish Airlines, were auctioned and raised a further £500 for FIWAL’s funds.
We were entertained by speaker, Dr Kate Williams, a charming young academic, author of “Royal Marriages”, who took us for a canter through British Royal marriages from their inception to the present day; very apt given the recent Royal nuptials. She gave us all kinds of interesting titbits and brought history alive for us.
In her speech, retiring president Neena Dugal, paid tribute to FIWAL members, thanking them for their support during her 3 year tenure. She was presented with a bouquet and warm thanks from the FIWAL clubs for staying on for an extra year. She was followed by FIWAL founding member, Jocelyn Jones who gave a brief history of the setting-up of FIWAL, outlining the ethos underpinning the idea, which has been carried on and expanded over 25 years. We were also privileged to hear from past presidents and founding members Latifa Kosta and Anita Worral, the latter having travelled all way from South Africa especially for the occasion.
The FIWAL 25th Birthday party showed that the organisation is in very good shape and has grown and continues to grow in stature over the years. We now look forward to the next 25 years and the 50th anniversary; perhaps some of us will still be around to celebrate! - Caroline Muir
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2010
FIWAL welcomed four guest speakers at the May Fair Hotel for its “Women of Vision” conference. Dr Mithu Alur has worked with disadvantaged children since 1966 and is the Founder Chairperson of ADAPT, a society in India providing a holistic model for assisting severely disabled children. Carole Cochrane of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has enjoyed a length, exciting and successful career in the voluntary sector. Baroness Mary Goudie, has been a Member of the House of Lords since 1998 when she was appointed a life peer. Among her many activities, she is Chair of the Women Leaders’ Council to Fight Human Trafficking at UN.Gift and is active with Vital Voices, Piggybankkids and Share Gift. Founder and Chairwoman of “Women for Women International,” Zainab Salbi has been honoured for the work she has done to help women in war-torn countries. The Washington Post stated “Salbi’s vision is that by strengthening women, her organization [Women for Women International] can help rebuild communities and nations.” Photos of the event can be viewed by clicking here. (Shown below from left to right: Mithu Alur, Carole Cochrane, Mary Goudie, Zainab Salbi)
2009
A Bollywood-themed lunch at the famous Bombay Brasserie, with a dazzling show of an exclusive collection of Indian dress and jewellery, including traditional saris. The guest speaker, Lady Noon, presented excerpts from her film “History of India Through Food”.
2008
“The Plight of the Young Across Cultures” This fully booked and inspirational conference was opened by HRH The Princess Royal. It had a distinguished, internationally known and respected panel of speakers, who gave the the audience a very thought provoking time, talking of the many problems facing the young today from sex trafficking to family breakdown and neglect.
2007
A special lunch at the Royal Yacht Club was followed by a fashion show by Linda Wrigglesworth, the world renowned expert on Chinese textiles dating from the Qing Dynasty.
2006
Fiwal’s 20th Anniversary celebration luncheon at the Savoy, attended by 200 delegates, included guest delegates from Welcome Clubs International having their conference in London. The ‘Three Singing Waiters’ entertained the delegates with a repertoire ranging from popular music via light operatic to grand opera. Guest Speaker Simon Carr, political sketch writer for the Independent, spoke about the politics of our time, stressing the need for guarding our civil liberties even from our own legislature.
2005
A special lunch at the Locarno Suite of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to celebrate 20 years of the “inception” of FIWAL.
2004
A conference on “The Environment” held at Senate House, Malet Street with five distinguished speakers who touched on different environmental issues.
2003
A Spring Luncheon at the ballroom of the Dorchester Hotel with guest speaker Lady Frances Clark, CBE, who spoke about the history of the “Venice in Peril Fund”.
2002
A Spring Luncheon held at the ballroom of the Dorchester Hotel with two speakers: Dame Jocelyn Barrow, patron of the United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and Patti Boulaye, famous opera singer, author, painter and recording star.
2001
“Women’s Health-Diagnosis and Prevention” – a conference held at the Royal Geographical Society with eight distinguished speakers who highlighted the latest techniques and developments in the treatment of some of the major illnesses affecting women.
2000
“The Global Humanity of FIWAL – Millennium Luncheon” – held at the ballroom of the Dorchester Hotel with guest speakers Kate Adie and Christine McCafferty MP Member Associations who gave illustrations and examples of their voluntary and charitable work detailing the valued contribution made in serving humanity.
1999
“The 21st Century is Now – Women’s Contribution in the Global Market, Politics and the Home” – six distinguished speakers highlighted the rapid development of women’s roles, ranging from Politics, Law, Banking & Education.
1998
“Around the World with Women’s Ornamentation and Jewellery” – an exhibition of traditional and ornamental jewellery by FIWAL member Associations was followed by a luncheon at the Dorchester Hotel. The guest speaker was a leading jewellery expert.
1997
“Women Towards the Millennium” – a Conference held at the Royal Geographical Society where stimulating addresses were given by distinguished speakers analyzing the changing role of women in society as the new millennium approached.
1996
FIWAL celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special luncheon held at the Langham Hilton Hotel attended by 200 members. Former FIWAL Presidents were the guest speakers.
1995
“Women and Communication” – a conference held at the Royal Geographical Society highlighted how advances in communication can be of benefit to all women in their involvement in the fields of Economics, Politics and the Media.
1994
“Around the World with Tales and Tapestries” – an exhibition and luncheon at Claridge’s. Clubs displayed exquisite pieces of needlework, some rare, and all typical of their countries. There were four professional storytellers from Britain, India, Thailand and the Caribbean.
1993
“Women and Europe” – a conference at the Royal Institute of British Architects which highlighted the role played by women in Europe. This was organized by the members of FIWAL’s European Associations, together with the European Movement.
1992
“Around the World with Table Settings” – a luncheon at Claridge’s with table settings typical of the countries represented by FIWAL.
1991
“Around the World with Art” – an exhibition of women artists, both professional and amateur , all who are members of FIWAL clubs.
1990
“Around the World with Music” – a luncheon at the Café Royal during which music from the four corners of the world was played by musicians representing member Associations.
1989
“Around the World with Fashion” – a fashion fiesta displaying the national costumes of member clubs.
1987
A major seminar called “Women Today – What have we gained – What have we lost”.
