Carlisle International Women’s Group (CIWG)
Carlisle International Women’s Group (CIWG) has been hosting monthly coffee mornings and annual International Women’s Day events and gatherings for international and internationally minded women living in the Carlisle area since 2013. We have engaged women in walks, bike rides, dance and craft sessions to promote health and wellbeing, and trips to local beauty spots that some women may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy. CIWG regularly works in partnership with other local groups, such as UK Woman Up, Tullie, Multicultural Cumbria, Pride in North Cumbria and Penrith & Eden Refugee Network.
Highlights and Achievements to date
● An active CIWG Facebook group with over 450 members - providing access to our events and projects, signposting to other relevant local services; and of course, offering friendship, support and a sense of belonging.
● International Women’s Day 2021 on ZOOM! A Countywide day-long online event to celebrate IWD during the COVID pandemic with over 100 women - featured Dance, Art, a Cook-Along and an Open Mic evening, amongst others!
● International Dance Day 2024 & 2025 - Dance workshops, attended by over 40 women and delivered by authentic international tutors living in Cumbria, in a variety of styles, including Indian, Egyptian, Iranian, African, and many more!
● International Women’s Day 2024 & 2025 Open Mic Night - 120+ women from all over the world living in Cumbria shared performances - Music, Song, Poetry and Spoken Word, in a supportive, welcoming and feelgood environment.
● Steps to Shine Project - funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and launched in January 2025, a 20 month programme of exciting activities, trips and events to enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation and encourage integration.
● Make a Difference - Zero Carbon Cumbria funded a 6 month programme to reduce our carbon footprint & become more climate conscious; incorporating Eco Crafts workshops, walking buses & shared transport, Vegan refreshments at our events, and a celebration Vegan lunch on International Women’s Day.
● Cumbria Diversity Carnival 2024/25 - we wore costumes and accessories made during our Eco Crafts workshops & participated in a Carlisle City centre parade with several other local groups, representing Cumbria’s diversity.
CIWG welcomes ALL women to get involved, including those who are LGBTQ and non-binary people. Refugee women living locally, supported by Carlisle Refugee Action Group, are also encouraged to take part in our activities; as are others who are new to the area or feeling isolated.
*Our Coffee Mornings are usually held in a community venue on the first Wednesday of each month*
For more information, please visit Carlisle International Women's Group on Facebook, join our Facebook group, follow our Instagram page or email
internationalwomensgroupca@gmail.com.