About
The International Women’s Club of Copenhagen (IWC) is an English-speaking social club dedicated to fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among women from around the world. The club brings together expatriate women living in Denmark and Danish women with international backgrounds, forming a vibrant and inclusive global community.
With approximately 135 members representing 42 nationalities, IWC is non-political, non-religious, and non-commercial. Through monthly meetings, special interest groups, and cultural activities, members are offered opportunities to connect, learn, and engage in a welcoming international atmosphere. IWC also supports a range of international charitable causes through its ongoing fundraising efforts.
Read the constitution of the IWC here.
IWC Executive Board
Special Officers
Our History
Founded in November 1977, the International Women’s Club of Copenhagen is a non-profit organization established to welcome and support newcomers to Denmark, deepen understanding of Danish society, and foster goodwill and friendship across cultures. A further cornerstone of the club’s mission has always been to support philanthropic projects, particularly those of an international nature.
The first organizational meeting was held on 3 November 1977 at the home of IWC’s founder, Lori Cole, and was attended by women representing many countries. The first official luncheon and meeting followed on 12 January 1978, welcoming 95 women and formally opening membership. The club grew rapidly, expanding from 35 represented countries in its early years to 40 today.
Charter Members
This is the list of the original founding members of the International Women’s Club of Copenhagen.
Gee Adair (Great Britain)
Finy van der Akker (The Netherlands)
Madelaine Bacho (Sweden)
Bodil Becker (Denmark)
Josephine Braca (USA)
Shadi Farhang (Iran)
Jeanne Galpin (Canada)
Irina Gribina (USSR)
Marie Gudman (USA/Denmark)
Liliana Guidotti (Italy)
Corrinne Halberg (Canada)
Christa Lauster (Germany)
Rebecca Marique de Lara (Ecuador)
Regina McMakin (Indonesia)
Diana Phillips (Great Britain)
Jean Waddington (Great Britain)
Founder of IWC: Lori Cole (USA/Ireland)
Honorary Member: Christine Bank (UK)
PRESENT DAY BREAKDOWN OF MEMBERS BY COUNTRY
🇩🇿 Algeria:
1
🇦🇲 Armenia:
1
🇦🇹 Austria:
1
🇧🇪 Belgium:
1
🇧🇷 Brazil:
1
🇲🇲 Burma:
1
🇨🇦 Canada:
1
🇨🇳 China:
2
ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· Croatia:
1
🇩🇰 Denmark:
43
🇫🇮 Finland:
3
🇫🇷 France:
4
🇩🇪 Germany:
5
ðŸ‡ðŸ‡° Hong Kong:
3
🇮🇸 Iceland:
1
🇮🇳 India:
1
🇮🇩 Indonesia:
1
🇮🇷 Iran:
2
🇮🇶 Iraq:
2
🇮🇹 Italy:
1
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast:
1
🇯🇵 Japan:
2
🇰🇼 Kuwait:
1
🇲🇾 Malaysia:
1
🇳🇵 Nepal:
1
🇳🇱 Netherlands:
1
🇳🇿 New Zealand:
2
🇳🇴 Norway:
5
🇵🇠Philippines:
2
🇷🇴 Romania:
1
🇷🇺 Russia:
2
🇸🇬 Singapore:
2
🇸🇮 Slovenia:
1
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka:
1
🇸🇪 Sweden:
4
🇨🇠Switzerland:
1
🇹🇼 Taiwan:
2
🇹🇠Thailand:
4
🇹🇷 Turkey:
2
🇬🇧 UK:
14
🇺🇸 USA:
6
🇻🇳 Vietnam:
3
WHY JOIN THE COMMUNITY?
Meet women from around the world who understand you.
Lifelong Friendships
Join a supportive community of 40+ nationalities ready to welcome you.
Local Support
Get advice and support to make Copenhagen feel like home
Cultural Exchange
Immerse yourself in Danish life and enjoy our rich international diversity.
Fun Activities
enjoy monthly lunches, creative clubs, and social interest groups.
Giving Back
Support local charities through our collaborative fundraising and events.