Their story
In August 2005, Lucy Chan Summers and Wendy Chen shared an idea with other foreign women who met regularly: a potluck lunch to raise money for charity. That October a group of women gathered, and during an afternoon of song, dance, and merriment, donated 4480 RMB to the Chongqing Red Cross. A committee was soon formed to plan a larger event, a Christmas Charity Ball. The committee formally named itself the CQIWG – Chongqing International Women’s Group.
Since the first successful charity ball in December 2005, the IWG has grown into a significant and unique organization in Chongqing: raising more than 1.5 million RMB with the help of local companies, citizens and foreign residents to provide assistance in a number of projects primarily in rural Chongqing communities. Whenever possible, the IWG develops and oversees these projects directly, in conjunction with local partners and officials.
Fundraising has not been limited to special events. Members of the IWG and the Chongqing community have generously donated money from individually organized activities and events, such as aerobics and yoga, dinner parties, and lunches. Recently the IWG offered merchandise, namely Taxi-Books, reusable shopping bags, and art cards, allowing the group to raise money on an ongoing basis. Through individual donations and merchandise sales the IWG has greater flexibility to fund additional projects as needed.
The IWG continues to offer welcome and support to foreign women and families in Chongqing- navigating one’s way around this city is much easier with the help of friends. With bi-weekly lunches, the Flow newsletter, and now their website, the IWG is able to serve as a network for those wanting to find out more about living in Chongqing, whether they are recent arrivals or looking to try something new.
The current Executive Committee elected in September 2008
Chair: Lom Harshini Chauhan
Lom is Indian and has been in China since 2002. With a special interest in concept development and logistics, Lom freelances on short term assignments and is also a Yoga coach. She is learning Guzheng and lives in Chongqing with her husband and daughter.
Vice Chair: Jean Glaister Steil
Jean with her theatre background brings a range of ideas to the CQIWG. She has been in China for four years, in Chongqing since 2006. She has a little daughter and another on the way, and doesn’t want to slow down one bit!
Treasurer: Doris Li
A long awaited replacement for Maggie, Doris is a CPA and a quick thinker. She is a Hong Kongnese/Canadian and lives in Chongqing with her two sons and husband.
Special Consultant: Ana Rosa
Ana is from Cuba, and has lived in Chongqing since 2004 with her husband and daughter . It was her extensive personal email list that served as the backbone of CQIWG contact base. Flow, the IWG newsletter, was her initiative and she has been its longtime editor. She has a BA in Education and an MBA, and likes hiking and painting. She is also learning Mandarin.
Members: Luo Ling, Christina Lee, Cheryl Sandahl, Julie Zhang
Join the IWG
The IWG is primarily for international women living in Chongqing, namely those with non-Chinese passports or women married to men with non-Chinese passports. The group also includes a number of local members, giving the opportunity for an international experience rooted in Chongqing.
While the Ladies Lunches are open to all, IWG membership does have its privileges: you will receive and can contribute to Flow, the group newsletter; participate in outings across Chongqing; take part in charitable activities and fundraising events; and join a dynamic community of women.
By joining the IWG you automatically help support its charitable projects. Your one-time membership fee of 100 RMB will be used for ongoing and developing programs aimed at bettering the life of children in Chongqing.
If you would like to become a member then don’t hesitate to send a mail to info@cqiwg.org or visit their website for more information.
