AWC 's Brief History

In the 1960s the wife of the Ambassador of the Embassy of the United States of America organized a monthly coffee morning for the embassy wives to help each other feel more at home in a foreign land. On the third Thursdays of the month the ladies would meet at their respective homes for a visit.

Eventually, the wife of the Ambassador expanded the Club by inviting guests and guest speakers. The wives of the foreign correspondents from the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) were invited to join. As the group expanded, the meetings moved from private homes to the elegant Hilton Cyprus Hotel. Expanding gradually, the AWC became multi-national, as non-Americans were invited to join as associate members. The doors opened more widely when associate membership status was dropped in favor of full membership. Members brought in local friends and welcomed newcomers to the island and to the club. Over the years, attending some of the coffee mornings, were the wife of the President of Cyprus, many Cypriot ladies, wives of numerous Ambassadors and other dignitaries from many countries, cultures and faiths.

Read more: AWC 's Brief History

Leadership

According to the club's constitution, The Honorary President is the wife of the ranking American diplomatic officer in Cyprus and the President must be an American, this year Hania Eghtesadi and Eleni Woods will share the presidency as Co- Presidents, Tina Savvides as Vice-President, Sophia Arabatzis- Lioufis as Secretary, Nada Panayiotou as Treasurer and Dalal Hamzha as Director of Social Activities.

Membership

Any woman who is a resident of Cyprus is eligible for membership. A prospective member may attend one introductory meeting. In order to attend to future meetings, she must become a full member. For the club session of 2011-2012 the membership fee is Euro 30.00. Registration forms must be filled and submitted to one of our board members.

Activities

Club members enjoy a monthly morning coffee (on the third Thursday of the month) featuring guest speakers, local celebrities, panel discussions, cultural and musical events, day outs and other entertainment. The club promotes social interaction among its members through arts and crafts, bridge, book club, trips, tours , luncheons and other activities of interest in addition to community service and fund raising activities.

Statement of Purpose

The American Women's Club is a dynamic, social, non-political organization. The club's primary aims are to foster good relations with our host country nationals, to provide an opportunity for members to be acquainted and to generate financial support for non-profit institutions working for the health, education and welfare of the people of Cyprus.

Special Interest Groups

• • Bridge: Our players meet weekly at each other’s homes for bridge, coffee, cakes and chat.
  • Tennis: Our tennis players play at various courts around Nicosia.
  • Philosophical discussions: We meet at a members home once or twice a month to discuss relevant issues of our era: philosophical, spiritual, environmental, etc.
  • Quilting: Our ladies meet weekly to chat and quilt. Their exhibition is beautiful.
  • Reading: Our ladies meet monthly to discuss books of their choice.