Congratulations to all of the wonderful women whose combined efforts and energy have contributed to IWAP’s ongoing success! Since the first get-togethers in 1991, IWAP’s threefold mission has remained the same – to foster friendships between international women, to share in the enjoyment of Czech culture, and to contribute to the Czech community by supporting local charities. Coming together was special. Founding members set the scene for long-lasting connections. Throughout the years, new members have continued to enrich the organization and ensure that IWAP adapts to changing circumstances. There have been so many amazing milestones along the way, and we are sure that more great times lie ahead. Here are some of the highlights of the past 30 years!

  1991

  • International Women’s Club of Prague holds inaugural meeting on 11 January

  • Sends first newsletter in February

  • Holds first Newcomer’s lunch in April

  1992

  • Members join from 53 countries, including Czechoslovakia

  • Club logo features the iconic Charles Bridge

  1990s

  • Interest groups include Ikebana, aerobics, antiques, ballet, folk dancing, computers, chamber music, computer, cooking, calligraphy, pottery, riding, swimming, ecology, dressmaking, gardening, ping pong, storks and toddlers, tennis, prayer, yoga, painting and tai chi

  • Social and cultural events include concerts, gallery visits, galas

  • Tens of millions of koruna raised to support local charities

  • A typed newsletter was a way of communication to the members

  1998

  • IWCP becomes incorporated as IWAP

  • First office space rented in Prague 6

  1999

  • President Václav Havel officially recognizes IWAP for outstanding friendship and charitable efforts

  2000

  • Logo is revised

  • First glossy issue of The Bridge magazine printed

  • First edition of Yellow Pages guide to products and services published

  2000s

  • Popular IWAP Annual Markets promote local products and raise charity funds

  2001

  • Celebrates 10th Anniversary

  • Eight playgroups for toddlers and babies

  • Many interest groups meet regularly

  • The Bridge magazine changes to a monthly circulation

  2003

  • Office moves to Polska, Prague 3

  2008

  • Website reviewed and updated

  2010 – 2018

  • First Christmas Market sets a trend in Prague and continues for 8 years

  2010s

  • IWAP consolidates as the demographic of international residents changes, reconfirms its commitment to friendship, culture and charity, offers calendar of daily activities (including walking, book group, language groups, lunch bunch, golf, photography, mahjong, art, needlework, exercise and writing), and embraces technology in its operations

  2011

  • Celebrates 20th Anniversary

  • IWAP public Facebook page opens

  2013

  • The Bridge consolidates as a quarterly magazine

  • New office location at Slezska, Prague 3

  2016

  • IWAP Interactive private Facebook Group created to share information between members and friends

  • Logo updated

  2017

  • The Bridge magazine becomes online publication

  • Printed fundraiser cookbook shares member recipes

  2018

  • Logo redesigned with digital branding and tagline ‘connecting women’

  • IWAP moves to virtual office

  2019

  • Website refreshed, updated and relaunched, incorporating The Bridge and private member area

  2020

  • Zoom becomes a main way of meeting during the Covid 19 pandemic, with virtual General Meetings, happy hours, interest groups and online events

  2021

  • IWAP consolidates friendships during the Covid 19 pandemic

  • Supports charities with online fundraisers

  • Celebrates 30th Anniversary