Become Part of
Bishkek's International Community
Create meaningful connections, find your Tribe,
and benefit from BIWC's special Discounts and Activities
Benefits for our Members
Whether you are looking for new friends or hobbies, seeking fun and entertainment, want to engage in charitable projects or are simply interested in getting discounts for selected restaurants, hotels and shops:
A Membership in Bishkek International Women's Club has something for everyone.
We know what it’s like to be new in town, often having to create a new social network from scratch and to "reinvent" yourself in this new environment.
Our members benefit not only from becoming a part of an exisiting and welcoming community, but also from the many activities BIWC organises. We hold monthly meetings, annual events and parties. We have discounts to the best businesses around town. And we offer smaller activity groups to join, based on individual interests, to help us all get involved in local activities and charities. Whether you are a support spouse on a career pause, a full-time working woman, a single lady or single parent - We have fun and there’s something for everyone!
Socialise and meet new people
We all have been newbies in the city, and all of us know how it feels like to start a social network from scratch. Choose your tempo and style to get acquainted with new people, be it on a casual lunch after our monthly meeting, with the help of your "BIWC Buddy", or during our regular activity groups.
Try a new hobby and make friends along
Our many Activity Groups give you the chance to try out new things and discover talents; maybe you did not have the time or resources to when you lived in your home country. With an open mind you have the chance to connect with other curious women having similar interests and passions like you.
Get special discounts
Owning a BIWC membership card grants you special discounts to selected restaurants, cafés, boutiques, hotels and service providers within Bishkek and beyond.
Find purpose and make an impact
You want "to do something with charity" or "something useful" during your time in Kyrgyzstan? Look no further, our Charity Group is the place for everyone who wants to use their talents for the greater good. There is so much room for ideas and projects, whether you love planning fundraiser events, balls, fairs, bazaars, or have ideas about other new formats.
Get advice and tips from "insiders"
Tap into the knowledge and experiences other members have gained throughout their time here. Share information about life in Kyrgyzstan - all of them making life easier in a foreign country.
Explore hidden and new places
Are you looking for a certain shop, a unique place to dine, a service provider or a hidden gem where to spend your weekend? Ask our community for tips and tricks, or join an excursion or hike to all the places you would probably not go just by yourself.
Build your network
Whether you are on a career break or in career transition, looking for inspiration, want to start working again or founding a (portable) business: many BIWC members are like-minded (business) women who gladly network with you.
Learn about Kyrgyzstan
As a club gathering foreign and Kyrgyz women, you will have the chance to step out of your common community bubble and get acquainted with local people. This comes with the unique chance to learn much more about the country we live in than travel guide books will ever be able to tell you.
BIWC has enriched my life beyond measures. I became a member in September 2000. I was a trailing spouse and an expat starting life over in a non English speaking country. The support I got from my club friends during my difficult times here is unqualified. The things I have learned from the other members. I became more than a spouse, a full fledge career women and a very confident young mother back then with immense support from my club friends.
Shelley, 47 years
Director of Silk Road International School
I’m so thankful that one day I became a member of this club. I met a lot off interesting and beautiful people there from all over the world. My life here is full of joy, happiness and many warm friendly meeting here in Bishkek because of this club.
Tanya, 34 years
Interior Designer
When we moved to Bishkek Kyrgyzstan 18 months ago not knowing where it existed on the map- one of the first things I did was to join the BIWC and immediately found a family away from home. Engaging with the group of amazing women from all around the world is not only a great way to network but it also provided me a platform to continue some of my passions and interests through the various activities being organized by the 13 plus sub clubs within BIWC; in fact it also enabled me to identify some new passions and pursue them here.
Shireen, 48 years
Management Consultant at UCA & Conscious Living and Conscious Parenting Coach
BIWC is the best community to get know people and the country. But my main point is that it is connecting the people with a humble and kind way. Also it is a big and trustable community to help the people and the country.
Sibel, 43 years
Hyatt Area Director of Finance for CIS countries
Discounts
An important part of BIWC is the sharing of advice and tips to help our new members settle into Bishkek and get to know the local businesses.
And the best part is: as BIWC member, you get discounts for selected restaurants, cafés, shops, hotels, and more.
In fact, we have tried and tested, and carefully selected, many reputable local establishments - from hotels and restaurants to shops and spas - to offer our members discounts. That’s right, the best businesses around Bishkek provide discounts for BIWC members. We encourage all our members to take full advantage of these generous discounts with one simple step – show your BIWC when paying. By showing our BIWC card and gaining a discount, we also show our support and appreciation towards our valuable business partners. When possible, we use these businesses to host club events and activities.
What I associate with BIWC? New friends, networking, inspirations, new hobbies, and personal growth.
Cholpon, 31 years
University Lecturer, American University of Central Asia
The club has really changed my life. I met wonderful, amazing, interesting people. It's really exciting. I was happy to participate in many activities of the club. And I hope I can do it in the future. See you soon!
Uliana, 39 years
Financial Controller
BIWC is synonymous to my Bishkek experience! The club made my transition into a new culture and country seamless. I will always cherish the happy memories I made with the BIWC ladies. I will forever be grateful for the support I received from the members when I needed it most.
Sohaila, 61 years
Remedial Teacher at "The Creative Steps" & in Training for Speech Therapy & Learning Disabilities
BIWC has been a wonderful source for networking and meeting like minded people who want to use their qualifications, experiences and expertise towards helping vulnerable groups through charitable activities.
Véronique, 57 years
Special Needs, Inclusive Education, and Disability Rights Activist
Activity Groups 2024/2025
Each BIWC season, members create Activity Groups based on shared interests. These Activity Groups meet on a regular basis, and each member can join as many Activities Groups she wishes. "Your" Activity Group is missing? Feel free to start a new group that covers new activities and interests. Just reach out the the Executive Team.
If you are active & love the outdoors
Hiking Group
Explore Kyrgyzstan's beautiful mountains. This group, inclusive of all levels, meets for regular hikes with a professional guide.
Yoga
Meet with fellow yogis to participate in various yoga practices including breathing techniques, visualization and meditation.
Horse Riding Masterclasses
Horses are an important part of the nomadic culture of Kyrgyzstan. This group (all levels) offers the opportunity to learn or improve your horse-riding skills.
Move It!
Exercise is more fun with friends. These meet ups, such as dance classes, provide an opportunity to stay active together.
If you are curious about food
and love exploring new places to eat
Foodies Around Town
AKA the F.A.T group. With these monthly meet ups at restaurants around town, discover the many gastronomical delights Bishkek has to offer.
Cooking Club
Providing a chance to cook together, learn new recipes and enjoy culinary experiences from all over the world.
If you are looking for personal growth,
new skills and networking opportunities
Life Long Learning
Get together and learn from each other. Share your knowledge, connect and grow in a friendly and inclusive environment.
Business Networking & Career Roundtable
This group offers an exciting chance to connect with other business-minded members for advice, networking and career opportunities.
Special Event Organizer Team
Are you a party mastermind? Volunteer to help organize an event. We put together small groups of dedicated members to work as a team and bring event ideas to life.
Book Club
In our hectic lives there are times when the longest pieces that we read are merely posts on social media and newspaper headlines. The BIWC Book Club provides its members with motivation and schedule to get back into the habit of reading books.
If you are looking for purpose and to
making a positive impact
Charity Group
A wonderful opportunity to give back to the Kyrgyz community. This group brings together members who want to make a positive impact by raising money for charity in creative and inspiring ways.
BIWC Boutique
A part of the Charity Group, the BIWC Boutique takes good quality, hand-picked, expat clothes donations, selling them on boutique-style to our fellow members during our monthly meetings.
Bazaar Event Organizers
We hold annual Christmas and Spring Bazaars. This is your chance to get involved, connect with our vendors, and help make this happen.
Masquerade Ball Team
Our Masquerade Ball is the Bishkek event of the year and BIWC's flagship party! Be a part of this wonderful tradition both as a guest and as an Orga Team member.
If you are a creative mind in need of an outlet,
looking for a new hobby,
or some cultural input
Culture Club
Develop an understanding of Kyrgyz traditions and history. This group explores the best sites, museums, galleries, architectural walks and other hard-to-see places.
Masterclasses
Learn something new and broaden your horizon. Our masterclasses vary month to month, from felting to pottery or painting. They always offer a unique experience.
Arts and Crafts Group
For those of us who are looking for a creative outlet. Activities include, amongst others, pottery, home decor design, painting, and jewelry making.
BIWC Fashion Show
Our annual Fashion Show supports and champions local designers, as well as raising money for the Charity Group. Help organize this event and be able to enjoy a professional runway show with models and designer labels.
I am actually so lucky to be a member of BIWC, especially when I think of my first time as an expat. The club made my life so colourful with various activities; art workshops/master classes, cooking groups, hiking tours, meetings with useful presentations relating to current topics, amazing masquerade balls, enjoying ladies night out and honourable charity activities…At the meantime I had a chance to meet many sincere and cheerful friends from all over the world.
Hülya, 56 years
Architect
BIWC is an amazing place to meet new people from all over the world, immerse yourself in the local culture, learn new skills, discover new talents, have a chance to raise funds for those in need, and just have a lot of fun. BIWC has been an integral part of my life as an expat in Kyrgyzstan and I am sure all the friendships we have made here will last well beyond the time we spend in this beautiful and welcoming country.
Natalia, 38 years
Chief of Party, FHI 360
Membership in the club has helped me in meeting new wonderful friends both from Kyrgyzstan and other parts of the world.
I find every club activity unique and a chance to learn something interesting and new. These activities gives me positive energy and enjoyment, new ideas to improve my life skills, and to enjoy my life more.
My participation in the Charity Club provides me with feeling of satisfaction and helpfullness by enriching the life of individuals who need our help here in Kyrgyzstan. This in turn gives rise to hope that together we can make the world a better place.
Zoia, 55 years
Support Spouse
I have been part of the BIWC since 2017. At that time I moved to Bishkek with a small baby and felt very much relegated to home. Honestly I was feeling quite displaced. When I joined the club, I slowly started meeting a lot of amazing women, some just like me. Especially in the last 2 years I have been somewhat of an active member, connecting and binding with a lot of my fellow members and it has added a lot of meaning to my life in Bishkek.
The club is a hub of a eclectic activities, events and a place to find answers to a lot of our questions and needs while living in Bishkek.
One example for me is that I found the very best school for my daughter, tailored to our needs, during my engagement and interactions within the club. It has helped me settle down in Bishkek with so much joy.
Bishkek is home now and BIWC my essential family.
Supriya, 46 years
Network Manager, Ashoka Changemakers
BIWC is a registered public foundation connecting and supporting the expat women living in Bishkek.
