KUWAIT: The International Women’s Group (IWG) celebrated its 35th anniversary with an event that brought together members, dignitaries, and IWG leaders in a grand celebration of the organization’s enduring legacy of empowering women and fostering international connections.

In her opening remarks, Antonia Dimitrova, spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria and IWG President for 2023-2024, spoke of the organization’s role in uniting women from diverse cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and support.

“In 1989, IWG began as a small group of visionary women, headed by the spouse of the then Ambassador of the Netherlands, Hanneke Veling, may her soul rest in peace. Those energetic ladies planted the seeds of initiative and laid the foundations of this group, which has overcome the challenges of time and grown stronger with each passing year.” She highlighted the role of the organization’s members and expressed special gratitude to Honorary President Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah for her continuous support.

KUWAIT: Antonia Dimitrova, IWG President for 2023-2024, (center left) presents an award to Honorary President Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah at the IWG's 35-year celebration.

Sheikha Hanouf (center) sits with former IWG presidents Jasmin Shuhaibar, Rima Khaldi, Ghada Shawky and 2023-2024 president Antonia Dimitrova.

“The International Women’s Group celebrates this by bringing women together from different backgrounds to share their stories. By learning from each other, we gain a deeper understanding of the world and appreciate the beauty of our differences. This welcoming spirit is what makes Kuwait such a special place,” said Sheikha Hanouf in her remarks.

The IWG also announced their new board members at the event. Dimitrova introduced Polina Dalmini, spouse of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Eswatini, as the new president, along with three vice presidents: Rana Abu Shakra, spouse of the Ambassador of Jordan, Laura Duclaud, spouse of the Ambassador of Mexico and Baigalmaa Bayantsagaan, spouse of the Ambassador of Mongolia. Dalmini shared her vision for the future of the IWG, promising to build on the strong foundation laid by her predecessors.

The 35th anniversary of the IWG was a testament to the strength and solidarity of women leaders and members who have contributed to the organization’s rich history. All attendees wished IWG many more years of growth, mutual understanding, and community.