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About the AWC

The American Women’s Club (AWC) in Finland was founded in 1970. Our mission is to provide a means for social interaction for American and other English-speaking women residing in Finland. We also expand our members’ knowledge and understanding of our host country through speakers and tours.

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Who are Our Members?

The club warmly welcomes new members no matter how long– or short– your stay in Finland may be. The club is currently about 165 members strong, and our community is truly international and intercultural. A little over half of our members are American, and the rest are Finnish and international women. The Americans are a diverse group of both temporary and permanent residents, those who are married to Finns, stationed here for their company or the embassy, or studying in Finland.

Our Meetings & Activities

The club holds monthly meetings and tours from September to May.

The AWC calendar features monthly general meetings with keynote speakers, monthly tours with English-speaking guides, and a myriad of activities organized by our special interest groups at various times throughout the year. 

Events are held alternately during day and evening hours to allow working members to attend. Although our events are primarily held in the greater Helsinki area, women in other areas of Finland are welcome to join. 

Monthly Meetings & Tours

All AWC events are open to all members. Guests of members are welcome when space is available. All of our events are organized by members who volunteer their time and talents.

Examples of recent keynote speakers include: Novelist, Sofi Oksanen; Caisa Cultural Centre educator, Oge Eneh; Member of Parliament, Maria Guzenina; Helsinki Music Center director, Katja Leppäkoski; Finnish Ombudsman for Minorities, Eva Biaudet.

Recent tours have taken us to: Parliament, Taidekoti Kirpilä, National Opera, VTT laboratories, Lumene factory, Kannisto bakery, Globe Hope, University Botanical Gardens, Kiasma, Helsinki Art Museum, and more!

Interest Groups

Interest groups are formed around member-led activities based on common interests. They are a great way to connect in smaller, more intimate settings. Current activities include:  Book Club, Bridge, Gourmet Group, Handicrafts, Knitting, Brainstorming...  and you are always welcome to start up a new one! 

Staying Connected

Our members learn about club news and upcoming events  through our monthly newsletter, The Northern Light, and stay connected with our private/closed Facebook and WhatsApp groups. 




Charitable Giving

Our club engages in charity work to directly help local charities in Finland, in order to give something back to the country in which we reside and from which we benefit so much. 

Recipients of our AWC charitable donations include Rajaseutu, whose mission is helping Finnish young people in rural communities with support for their educational needs; De Utvecklingsstördas Väl i Mellersta Nyland (DUV), that gives support in Swedish to mentally and physically handicapped children and adults in the Uusimaa region to experience leisure activity and community that they would not otherwise be able to enjoy because of their severe challenges; and Kaivo Espoo which is a center that supports Ukrainian refugees in Finland

All do important work to enrich the lives of those who are vulnerable while functioning on modest budgets. None receive government subsidies, and therefore the AWC’s modest contributions make a substantial difference.


Learn more about our charitable giving recipients from their websites: 
Rajaseutu (in Finnish) 
De Utvecklingsstördas Väl i Mellersta Nyland (in Swedish)

Kaivo Espoo (in English)

Our History

The American Women’s Club in Finland was founded on November 19, 1970 by a group of expatriate women in search of community while they lived far away from home. From there it has grown to include Finns and International women with ties to the United States, looking to befriend one another. Our mission is to provide a means for social interaction for American and other English-speaking women residing in Finland. We also expand our members’ knowledge and understanding of our host country through speakers and tours.



FAWCO - Our Global Community 

The American Women's Club in Finland is a member of a larger community of American and International Women's Clubs across the world. Founded in 1931, the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas, Inc. (FAWCO) is an international network of independent volunteer clubs and associations. There are 56 Member Clubs in 28 countries on six continents.

FAWCO serves as a resource and a voice for its members; seeks to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide, especially in the areas of human rights, health, education and the environment; advocates for the rights of US citizens overseas; contributes to the global community through its Teams and The FAWCO Foundation, which provides development grants and education awards. The organization is a global women’s NGO (non-governmental organization), and since 1997, FAWCO has held special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council.

All members are encouraged to go to the FAWCO website for additional information.


About AWC Finland

AWC Finland is an active, diverse and welcoming community, whether you are new to Finland or have been here a while. If you are looking to expand your social network through new activities, ideas and friendships, learn more about what our community has to offer on our Membership Page.

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Located in Helsinki, Finland 


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