Founded in 1968, the International Women’s Club of Lausanne is a vibrant, volunteer-run club where women of all nationalities connect, build friendships and enjoy life in Switzerland. Through shared experiences, cultural exchange and a varied programme of activities, they create the belonging and connection that help women thrive. We caught up with Meredith Shafer, IWC Lausanne President, and she answered some questions for us.
Settle in, get involved and discover something new. We help newcomers navigate life in Switzerland, feel at home and build lasting friendships. Members can share their experience, develop skills and pursue new passions through activities including, but not limited to, art and music appreciation, skiing, hiking, tennis, pickleball, cooking, reading, gardening, wine evenings and language conversation. Regular coffee meetups and monthly presentations provide even more opportunities to connect and take part in club life.
Moving to a new city—or simply looking to expand your world—can be exciting, but building a community takes time. Since 1968, the International Women’s Club of Lausanne (IWC) has been bringing women together from Lausanne and around the world, creating a place where newcomers can find their footing, long-time residents can make new connections, and everyone can share a little of what makes life in Switzerland special. With more than 200 members representing a wonderfully diverse mix of nationalities, backgrounds and life experiences, IWC is less about where you come from and more about the people you meet and the experiences you share.
“When I first moved to Lausanne, I was looking for a way to make friends and join group activities. The IWC organizes pickleball, coffee meet ups, hikes, and more, which has led me to a great network of English speaking women.” - Abby L., Member Since 2026
At the heart of IWC is friendship—but it’s also curiosity, connection and having people to say “yes” with. Members come together for everything from hiking, skiing, tennis and pickleball to cooking, gardening, reading, art and music, wine evenings and language conversation. There are regular coffee meetups, monthly presentations and countless informal moments that turn an activity into a friendship. Some members join looking for a way to settle into life in Lausanne; others discover new interests, develop skills, share their own expertise or simply find a group of women with whom to laugh, explore and enjoy Switzerland.
“What I enjoy most about IWC is its open and friendly community.” - Sandrine C., Member Since 2024
What makes IWC particularly special is that membership can grow with you. The woman who joins because she is new to Lausanne may eventually become the person welcoming someone else; a casual coffee can become a lasting friendship; a shared interest can open the door to an entirely new circle of friends. Run by its members, the club offers both a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute—to share your culture, passions, knowledge and time with others. Whether you have just arrived in Lausanne or have called the region home for years, IWC offers a welcoming community and plenty of ways to get involved.
“When we moved to the Lausanne area, I joined the International Women’s Club to open up contacts in the region. The IWC is a terrific organisation with delightful members and a multitude of activities and opportunities to meet people. I now have a new circle of friends.” - Jackie B., Member Since 2018
Join a truly international network. Our community of more than 200 women brings together Swiss locals and expatriates from around the world. Diverse experiences and perspectives make our club stronger—and create a warm, inclusive environment where every member can feel welcome, exchange cultures and form meaningful connections.
International Women’s Club of Lausanne
http://iwc-lausanne.org
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
