About Us

History

The organization was founded as the "International Wives’ Club of Iowa City" in the late 1950’s. The name was changed to International Women’s Club in 1978 since it was felt to be more descriptive of our members. An early membership roster listed 18 members from the U.S. and 25 members from 16 other countries.

IWC has grown since those early days and currently has about 140 members from over 30 countries. Whereas at the beginning most of our members were housewives, nowadays they run the gamut of women's situations (and we consider being a housewife as work!) including single employed women, mothers out of the paid workforce, retired women, and volunteers. We are teachers, doctors, secretaries, social workers, musicians, scientists, and lawyers, to name just a few of our occupations.

Purpose

Our purpose is both social and educational. We enjoy getting together to chat, cook, do crafts, take excursions, and learn about each other’s cultures. One of our most popular activities is the English classes, with child care, which are held for 10 weeks each in the fall and spring semesters.

Special Activities

In addition to our smaller interest groups, we have a number of club-wide activities. In October, members and their families celebrate Halloween with pumpkin carving. In November, new members are invited to “welcome dinners” at the homes of continuing members. Families may attend a holiday party in December. At other times we have enjoyed such activities as square dancing, flower arranging, and fashion shows. The spring and summer potlucks (dinners where everyone brings a dish or two to share) are also popular events.

Friendships

One of the great pleasures of belonging to International Women’s Club is the friendships we make. Even when women return to their countries after a stay in Iowa City, these friendships continue. Sometimes local women visit friends abroad, and sometimes we have the pleasure of seeing a woman (or even her now-grown children) again in Iowa City. IWC makes it possible for all its members to reach our goal of sharing in activities that promote friendship and understanding.

Administration

International Women’s Club is run by a Board consisting of an international group of officers, coordinators of the interest groups, and any interested members. We are all volunteers. The club is funded by our dues and English class fees, donations, and through the proceeds from the sale of food and crafts at the University of Iowa’s annual Cultural Diversity Festival.

Disclaimer

The International Women's Club is a volunteer Group, affiliated with the Office of International Education ans Services of the University of Iowa. We have no ties with any religious or political organization. All women are welcome.