- Are you about to move to Barcelona and want to learn more about the city?
- Have you just arrived and would like to make friends or establish professional contacts?
- Are you settling in and looking for support to help you get over the first hurdles?
- Or, have you been here a while and want to share experiences with multicultural women?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you’re in the right place!
Barcelona Women’s Network, or BWN for short. What started in 1998 as a small group of twelve friends has by now grown into a formidable international network of over 250 members (and counting…).
Forming a group of culturally curious women, we come from over 30 countries, have all kinds of backgrounds, and enjoy the most diverse set of interests you can imagine. But in spite (or because?) of all our differences, we all come together to have fun and do good. And above all, we all share a common love for the city and the world alike.
Barcelona is at once cosmopolitan and Catalan, modern and traditionalist, bohemian and bourgeois, international and local, personal and professional, and many things more. And so are we!
Find out about us on this website. Come to one of our events. Become a part of our community!
Click here to become a member.
Who We Are
The Barcelona Women’s Network is a non-profit, non-religious, and non-political social and charitable organization offering support and friendship to both local and international women residing in the greater Barcelona area.
Started by a small group of friends in 1998, the BWN has emerged into a dynamic and diverse group with an average membership of about 250 from over 30 different nationalities.
Its purpose is to:
- foster friendships and goodwill among women of all nations
- encourage a greater cultural understanding of the many facets of life in Barcelona and Catalonia
- showcase the goods and services of business members and provide professional networking
- give back to the community through fundraising for a variety of local charities, which focus on women’s and children’s interests.
The BWN is also an active member of FAWCO, a non-partisan and not-for-profit organization, with over 75 member clubs representing more than 15,000 individuals throughout the world. Every month, members enjoy exclusive invitations to a diverse offering of social, educational, cultural, charitable, and professional events. They have access to an online forum, reviews and recommendations, and the business directory, which showcases services provided by other members.
What We Do
BWN activities cover a wide array of interests including social, cultural, charity and well-being. These events are scheduled weekly, monthly or at special times of the year.
Do we have events that might interest you? Here is just a sample of our regularly featured engagements.
For Everybody
Coffee Morning – Usually scheduled for the second Thursday of every month at the Institut d’ Estudies Nord-americans in Barcelona. The monthly meeting gives members and those interested in joining the BWN a chance to meet, hear about and sign up for forthcoming events, and learn more about the BWN. Coffee mornings are always followed by ‘Cheap & Cheerful’ an inexpensive lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Cocktails with the Prez – Held on the last Tuesday of each month at a variety of locations. This early evening meet-up, for members and prospective members, gives those unable to attend the coffee morning a chance to meet each other and hear about upcoming events and about what is going on in the network.
Film Night – Scheduled the third Monday of every month at one of the city’s many movie theaters. Members vote on and then meet to watch an English language film.
Monthly Outing – Scheduled the third Wednesday of every month. This outing to unique cultural, gastronomic, or historic locations throughout Catalonia gives members a chance to explore sights in and around the area. Recent visits have included a trip to the backstage of the Liceo, a visit to the Jean Leon winery.
Cooking Classes – BWN has many talented professional and non-professional chefs, who offer cooking classes for a small fee to cover costs.
Morning Walks – Every Tuesday, walkers enjoy the wonderful views across Barcelona from high above the city on Carretera de las Aigües.
Occasionally, we also offer activities outside of Barcelona such as the Coffee and Chat in Sant Cugat.
For Professionals and Business Owners
Business Mixer – Usually the last Tuesday evening of the month. An opportunity for those who belong to the BWN’s Professional Networking Group to meet over tapas and a drink.
Professional Workshop – Business members or guests present timely career and business-related topics and issues.
For Mothers
Moms and Tots – Weekly Wednesday morning get-together’s include free play and sing-along time (with songs in English.) Babies, toddlers, mothers and other caregivers welcome.
Ladies’ Night Out – Organized a few times a year, the evening offers a chance for mothers to wine, dine, and talk. We also schedule family outings, lunches, and a children’s party in December.
For Newcomers
Café Castellano – The second and fourth Monday of every month at various locations throughout the city. It invites members, regardless of language level, to join an informal group led by a fluent Spanish speaker and practice language skills.
For Those Interested in Giving Back
Book and Bake Sale – Once a year, members sell second-hand books and freshly homemade cakes that have been donated by other members. All proceeds are given to charity.
Annual Market – Members sell homemade cookies, self-made jams, handcrafted t-shirts, and many other items made at home. A percentage of the total sales goes to our charities. In addition, the BWN try to raise funds for our charities at virtually all our activities and events.
Click here for more information.
