How Did It Start?
How Did It Start?
When founder Frances Alexander's children were teenagers, they exchanged hospitality with other young people throughout Europe. She thought that women could have this opportunity too, and wrote about her idea. Dr Patricia Niedzwiecki, the then deputy editor of Women of Europe - the EU bulletin on women's affairs - included a paragraph in the spring edition of 1984. WoE circulated all over the Community in every language. There was a great deal of interest and there were soon 40 members in five countries. A list of all the names and addresses was sent to each member, and this continues to the present day, with numbers now at more than 3000 members in 70 countries.
A leaflet was drawn up and printed; a bank account set up; leaflets translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc. A constitution was formulated making Women Welcome Women (as it was known then) into a non-profit trust. Frances Alexander chaired the Board of Trustees (now from 12 countries) from its inception, until 1996, when Jill Hilford from Sweden took over.
5W moved to its present address in October 1995, after over 11 years in Frances's home. It is staffed each weekday (Monday-Friday, 9.30am-1.30pm).
In March 1999, Women Welcome Women became a Company Limited by Guarantee and added the words World Wide to its name (5W) to reflect its global activity. It continues to operate as a non-profit Trust with an international board of Directors/Trustees. Asta Cebulla from Zurich, Switzerland, became Chairwoman, followed by Almuth Tharan from Berlin, Germany and Sharon Giese, USA, who currently holds the position.
Message from Sharon Giese, 5W Chairwoman:- "5W celebrated its 21st anniversary in this 2005-2006 year with a wonderful party in Canterbury, attended by members from around the world. We now look forward to preparing for the 25th - we can always find a reason to have a party for 5W. Local groups continue to thrive, and the Gatherings have been very successful, thanks to the continued hard work of 5W members.
We welcomed a new energetic trustee from Canada, Elinor Warkentin, but unfortunately said farewell to Gill Vine who resigned as a Trustee in May 2005 after many years of loyal service to the organisation. Sadly, we also lost a long time trustee, Sofia Shakespeare, who died in December 2005. To honour Sofia, 5W planted a commemorative tree in High Wycombe. Sofia's insight, calm and gentle approach will be greatly missed by the Trustees.
For this coming year we will put much of our focus on increasing membership numbers. We hope to encourage our local groups and Gatherings to invite nonmembers to events, to take a larger part in International Woman's Day events (or to have our members plan their own) and try to retain more members. We look forward to the continuing success of 5W."
5W,
Tel/fax: 01494 465441