The International Women’s Group opened its new season of 2023-2024 on Sunday,10 September with an ‘English Tea Party’ in the presence of the group’s board and members, at Al Jawhara Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel. Mrs. Laila Boulos, public relations coordinator, welcomed attendees and introduced the group’s incoming President. The new President of the International Women’s Group, Mrs. Antonia Dimitrova, spouse of the Ambassador of Bulgaria, commenced her speech by thanking Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al Mohammed Al Sabah, the Honorary President of IWG, for her continued support and guidance and expressed her appreciation for her predecessor Mrs. Ghada Ahmed Shawky, spouse of the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
In thanking the Board and IWG members she said that she was especially honored to be IWG’s President during the organization’s 35th Anniversary year, pledging to continue to build on IWG’s long history of cultural exchange through a variety of social activities and events. She noted that the International Women’s Group was founded in 1988 “by a group of ambitious women inspired by bringing ladies of different nationalities in Kuwait with the purpose of promoting friendship, understanding and cooperation between them”. Saying that “thirty- five years on, this goal remains at the heart of the organization and continues to be achieved through the sharing of the different cultures and traditions of members who alongside their distinguished Kuwaiti peers represent a variety of almost a hundred nationalities from all over the world”.
Mrs. Dimitrova then introduced the group’s two new Vice-Presidents, Mrs. Saia Berdibay, spouse of the Ambassador of Kazakhstan, and Mrs. Polina Dlamini, spouse of the Kingdom of Eswatini who were greeted with a very warm welcome by the members. Attendees had come prepared for the ‘English Tea Party’ and enjoyed this very special first event of the season which featured a beautiful live piano performance by Mrs. Harriet Bushman. There were various interactive stations, with a Photo Studio featuring the characters of: Mary Poppins, Beef Eater, and Royal Guard; Souvenir and Sweet corners, a Tea Stand and an English Bakery. The event also included informative Video presentations, a special desert demonstration followed by an engaging game with prizes, a raffle and other fun surprises thrilling all.
In closing, certificates of appreciation were given to all those who helped make the event a great success, including Premiers Tea Company, Food Choice Company, The British Embassy and the team of Crown Plaza for their outstanding hospitality.
