SNG guided tour for the International Women's Club of Bratislava. (source: Courtesy of the International Women's Club of Bratislava)
Established in 1991, the International Women's Club of Bratislava (IWCB) presently unites 110 women from over 30 countries worldwide, alongside accomplished Slovak women in various professions.
The organization's primary objectives encompass the promotion of Slovak history, culture, and traditions, as well as fostering interpersonal connections. I am convinced that enhancing our understanding and mutual enrichment, representing diverse peoples, traditions, and cultures, is crucial for upholding values like solidarity, friendship, faith in goodness, and, notably, affirming the position and role of women in society. In an atmosphere of genuine friendship, this dynamic club engages in multifaceted and enriching activities.
Monthly, our members orchestrate diverse events, from gatherings with eminent Slovak intellectuals, artists, sculptors, and fashion designers to visits to museums, galleries, and iconic landmarks like Červený Kameň Castle, Skalica, the Jaskyňa Driny cave, the Milan Rastislav Štefánik Monument, Oponice, Topoľčianky, and more.
The Jaskyňa Driny cave visit. (source: Courtesy of the International Womens Club of Bratislava)
I would like to highlight another significant aspect of our activities. A commendable tradition involves inviting distinguished personalities as our guests. Allow me to mention one such individual – Pavol Demeš, a prominent public figure and former Slovak foreign minister.
One of his lectures focused on the remarkable work of the brothers Cyril and Methodius, declared patrons of Europe by Pope John Paul II. In the 9th century, they conducted extensive educational activities in the territory of present-day Slovakia and the Czech Republic, leaving indelible marks on the region's history. The holy brothers are enshrined in the Constitution of the Slovak Republic, with July 5 designated as Ss. Cyril and Methodius Day, a public holiday.
Another lecture centered on Slovakia's churches. Few people know that today, nearly 4,200 churches stand on Slovakian soil, with a number of them being included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Slovakia is among the few nations worldwide to create a comprehensive map of these churches, providing valuable insights into their histories.
The lecture held by Pavol Demeš. (source: Courtesy of the International Womens Club of Bratislava)
Our club also features various interest groups, such as learning Slovak and English, recipe and cooking skill exchanges, hiking in Slovakia's picturesque forests, attending concerts and more. Weekly, we gather to share our diverse experiences over coffee or lunch.
I must also highlight another crucial aspect of our club's endeavors. Following a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our club revived a cherished tradition in 2023 –the charity Christmas bazaar held in the historic Old Market building in Bratislava. About 20 embassies and organizations actively participated in this initiative with great desire and enthusiasm, raising over €27,000. These funds will aid the elderly, disadvantaged, and orphans in Slovakia.
Extending help and solidarity to those in need is a profound act and a testament to our humanity. Let our charitable actions serve as a call to all those with compassionate hearts to remember the less fortunate, strive to help, do good, and demonstrate to everyone through our deeds that there are eternal human values.
Modra visit and majolica class (source: Courtesy of the International Womens Club of Bratislava)
In conclusion, I would like to share that for me, the IWCB has become an integral part of my life. I take pride in being its member and Vice-President, and I can affirm that it stands as one of the finest and most captivating international women's clubs.
May the New Year 2024 bring health, happiness, and success to everyone, and above all, peace on our planet.
Zlatina Petkova is the Vice-President of the International Women’s Club of Bratislava. She is the spouse of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Slovak Republic.
