What does it feel like to find your own community in a new hometown? The Oulu2026 Culture Companions Women’s Club offers international and Finnish women a place to meet, share experiences, and build friendships in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The Women’s Club meets twice a month. One gathering focuses on discussions, while the other is dedicated to shared activities. The club’s activities are shaped by the wishes and interests of its members and have included celebrations of International Women’s Day and summer festivities, food-themed events, arts and crafts, flower workshops, picnics, scrapbooking, and barbecues. Typically, 8 to 10 women participate in each session.
Volunteer Culture Companions Madhu Malavika Jayaraj, Marie Lagundi, Linda Maria Kwiecinski, and Ritu Basak describe the Women’s Club as a community where everyone can share something from their own culture through food, art, or storytelling. At the same time, participants gain insight into the many different experiences of living in Oulu and Finland as a woman.
Volunteering has brought many new opportunities into the lives of those involved. Through the club, participants have formed friendships and networks, learned new skills, and discovered different cultures. Madhu explains that volunteering has helped her develop photography skills and gain a better understanding of Finnish working life and the non-profit sector. For Linda, the most valuable aspects have been gaining new perspectives, sharing her love for Oulu, and experiencing the satisfaction of helping others.
The club was so popular in its early days that not everyone who wanted to join could be accommodated. Today, the organizers are hoping to welcome new members into the community. “The more participants, the more possibilities,” says Linda. According to Marie, women of all ages take part in the club, ranging from around 21 years old to over 50. Despite differences in age, participants share many common experiences and interests.
Looking ahead, the Women’s Club hopes to strengthen cooperation with other organizations and communities that work with and for women. Volunteers also see opportunities for skills development, training, and creating new experiences for members. One thing is already clear: the Women’s Club is a place where diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences come together.
The next meeting will feature a non-alcoholic Paint & Sip painting workshop on 6 November from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All women are warmly welcome to join. The activity is part of the Oulu2026 volunteer programme, whose main cooperation partner is Osuuskauppa Arina. Culture Companion activities are organizes as a part of Equitable Inclusion Through Volunteering project, which is co-funded by European Union.
