Letter from the Chair of Open Door:

The idea of ‘Open Door’ was started in Stockholm in 1980 by Elisabeth Samman. Whilst travelling with her husband, a Rotarian, the hospitality extended to him by fellow Rotarians in foreign cities made such an impression on her that she thought this could help members of International Women’s Associations have a similar reciprocity in opening their doors to each other when visiting or moving to another country. ‘Open Door’ was established with nine Intl. Women’s Associations each agreeing to nominate an International Co-ordinator (ICO) to welcome IWC members of sisterclubs to their own clubs as guests, at monthly meetings and other club activities as well as exchanging newsletters and correspondence. ‘Open Door’ aspires to facilitate and promote inter-club contact and communication between International Women’s Associations which are non-political, non-religious and non-commercial and where membership is open to all nationalities. The ‘Open Door’ network is administered by means of a Directory of member associations with club and contact details of Presidents and International Coordinators.

In this way much is being done to help each other through contact with women of different nations, by promoting mutual understanding, furthering cultural exchanges and cultivating friendships which altogether lead to a richer and broader understanding of each other. Today we are almost 70 clubs around the world, and we are keeping in touch with most of them.

Marja van Loopik

Chair Open Door Worldwide

If you would like more information about other sister clubs of Open Door,
please contact the sister club iwc-leipzig