Kolkata International Women’s Club recently welcomed its new president Iryna Vikyrchak from Ukraine, after America’s Shannon Jhunjhunwala’s term of four years. Founded by UK expat Linda Mundy almost 20 years back to serve as a bridge for international ladies living in Calcutta, the club provides its members with a vital community and helpful information about living in Calcutta. The club takes the initiative to introduce members to the city, its history, culture and people by organising meetings and mid-month lunches. Other than that, it works for charity by supporting numerous small charitable organisations in Calcutta that work with disadvantaged women, children and seniors.
Iryna, who has earlier worked as a culture manager by curating events to promote the historical and cultural heritage of different cities of Europe, is an avid traveller, poetess and PhD student. She understands expat experience and values the need to build connections between people, history and culture. A t2 chat with Iryna about her new role:
What do you like about Calcutta?
For me, it’s a city full of “wow” moments, vibrant colours, unexpected turns, unforgettable meetings and creative ideas.
How much of it have you been able to explore and what else do you wish to explore?
First, I have discovered its wonderful people, and the more friends I make here, the more warm and enriching this city feels. As for further explorations, I totally trust Calcutta and let it surprise me even more.
What does this new role mean to you? How are you planning to balance it with your existing work?
I feel honoured and humbled to take over such a special club that has been there for 20 years already. I am a mom and I’m also doing my PhD online, so that perfectly fits my current lifestyle as a meaningful addition, which also keeps me connected with other expat ladies in the city.
What are the areas you wish to focus on during your term as president?
I’m looking forward to exploring and celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds of our members, keeping up our charity activities and enjoying time together with KIWC at our club events.
Are there any challenges you are anticipating?
Of course! First of all, I have big shoes to fill. Shannon was such an amazing president, and as a newcomer to Calcutta, I was very thankful to her for being such a welcoming, thoughtful and active person for whom empowering other women is a priority.
You have already been working in the cultural space. Are you going to focus more on that in this organisational role too?
I would be happy to keep discovering the cultural life of Calcutta and sharing it with our members. I’m getting more and more fond of the Indian traditional and contemporary culture and arts and the Bengali one in particular.
What does your event calendar look like for the upcoming year?
Our calendar is built around our most important annual event, the traditional Monsoon Ball, which will take place on September 23.
What will be your goals for the organisation?
First, we would like to reach out to more expat women living in the city to welcome them as new members of KIWC. Second is to continue giving back to the local community by meeting our fundraising goals and supporting local charities to make a difference and enhance understanding between ourselves and the local community. Third, take care of our members by gathering them together, nurturing our friendships and creating unique experiences for them in order for them to get to know Calcutta in the best way possible.
How can more women be a part of it and how does the organisation plan to further empower them?
The Kolkata International Women’s Club is a social organisation that provides expat women with a supportive community in a foreign land. Our members must hold foreign passports. We help our members with information, practical and moral support and opportunities for social connectivity.