Expatriate Women’s Clubs in Dhaka

There are a few other clubs and groups of expatriate women living in Dhaka. This month WOMUN got in touch with the Japanese women’s group and asked about their activities.

The Neem Club of Japanese Women

The Neem Club is a group of about ten Japanese women living in Dhaka. “Neem” is a medicinal plant, from which soaps and skin protection lotions are produced. The name implies healing, which the Club wishes to bring to various parts of Bangladesh. The Club’s motto is to “do what ordinary housewives can do.” The shared goals of the club are to learn about and experience Bangladesh, to act together with NGOs in support of vulnerable groups, and to enjoy their stay in Bangladesh. Regular club activities include weekly visits to an NGO dormitory for rural children in Dhaka for medical treatment, and monthly visits to the Mother Theresa Home.

The Club members also sometimes visit other parts of the country, to see and learn about areas and activities outside of Dhaka. Learning events in Dhaka are also organized. The Club provides financial and material support to NGOs and others, including donations of books to local libraries. The members get together and generate ideas for new activities. Their activities are open to non-members including husbands and employed women. The Club publishes a one page monthly newsletter and plans to launch a website in the near future. If you are interested in joining their visits and events, contact Yuko Nakamura at yukomama@clubaa.com