Indian Women’s Association Singapore: A Legacy of Culture, Community, and Compassion through the Three Circles of Care, Connect, and Celebrate
Founded in 1998, the Indian Women’s Association (IWA) Singapore began as a social and cultural club for expatriate Indian women seeking connection and belonging. Initially launched in 1997 as the Expatriate Indian Women’s Club, coinciding with India’s 50th year of independence, the organization soon grew to embrace all Indian women residing in Singapore.
IWA’s mission is to create a ‘home away from home’, while celebrating India’s rich heritage through curated events in music, dance, fashion, and art. To nurture the diverse talents and interests of its members, IWA offers dynamic clubs including the Family Club, Movie Club, Entrepreneurs Club, Privilege Club, and Health & Fitness Club—each providing opportunities for creativity, connection, and personal growth.
One of IWA’s signature highlights is its bi-annual IWA Bazaars, hosted at prominent venues across Singapore. These vibrant shopping experiences attract over 1,500 visitors and feature more than 90 vendors—many of whom are women entrepreneurs and small business owners. Showcasing a mix of Indian ethnic and Indo-western fashion, statement jewellery, home décor, wellness products, gourmet snacks, and NGO booths, the bazaars have become a much-anticipated celebration of Indian culture, enterprise, and community spirit.
Behind the scenes, IWA’s dedicated volunteers leading AdSales, Privilege Partnerships, Membership, and Bazaars work tirelessly to sustain these initiatives and expand the Association’s outreach. Among its most impactful efforts is the I-Care initiative, which supports causes such as Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics ( H.O.M.E.), Transient Workers Count too ( TWC2), Sunshine Welfare Action Mission (SWAMI Home) , and provides educational scholarships including the SMU Vidya Scholarship and SUTD Gyan Jyoti Study Award.
With a strong presence of over 11,000 social media followers and a growing network of engaged members, IWA continues to Care, Connect, and Celebrate while championing inclusivity, empowerment, and meaningful change in Singapore.
For the past 28 years, IWA has been more than an association—it has been a community built on friendship, service, and shared heritage.
Source: Indian Women’s Association, Singapore