KUWAIT CITY, Sept 16: The International Women’s Group (IWG) launched its 2025–2026 season with a meet-and-greet event celebrating Mexico’s culture and heritage on Sunday, 14 September, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The new president, Mrs. Marika Kochlamazashvili, wife of the Ambassador of the Republic of Georgia, welcomed members and guests in the presence of the group’s board, ambassadors, and distinguished invitees.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence in memory of Mrs. Roda Elizabeth Mahmoud MBE, IWG member, founder, and former director of Kuwait English School, who dedicated 43 years of her life to education. In her opening address, Mrs. Kochlamazashvili thanked H.E. Sheikha Hanouf Bader Al Mohammed Al Sabah, IWG Honorary President, for her continued support. She also expressed sincere gratitude to the IWG board members for their confidence in her leadership, conveying a deep sense of responsibility.

Mrs. Kochlamazashvili then introduced the new vice presidents of the board: Mrs. Rima Khalidi, wife of the Ambassador of the State of Palestine; Mrs. Theano Platos, wife of the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic; Mrs. Midori Muki, wife of the Ambassador of Japan; and Mrs. Sayeh Gauvin, wife of the Ambassador of the French Republic. She also extended heartfelt thanks to her predecessor and current IWG presidential advisor, Mrs. Polina Dlamini, wife of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Eswatini, recognizing her as a valuable asset to the group.

Furthermore, she acknowledged the efforts of IWG member Mrs. Laura Duclaud Vilares, wife of the Ambassador of the United Mexican States, for her support in organizing the event. Looking ahead, Mrs. Kochlamazashvili pledged to build on IWG’s long history of cultural exchange through a diverse program of social activities and events. The event began with a video highlighting a journey to four African countries—South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg), Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Eswatini—undertaken by IWG members and their spouses from September 17 to August 3.

The trip, meticulously organized by Mrs. Dlamini, was introduced with a short briefing about this exceptional experience. Under the theme “Mexico: Land of Tradition, Art, Flavors, and Heritage,” Mrs. Dlamini served as the Master of Ceremonies. This year’s celebration held special significance, as it also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Kuwait. To commemorate this milestone, guests were invited on a cultural journey that explored some of Mexico’s most treasured traditions. The program opened with a short travel film showcasing Mexico’s landscapes and heritage, setting the tone for a morning of discovery. Attendees were then introduced to the life and legacy of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, whose extraordinary work transformed pain and struggle into timeless art.

The journey continued with a glimpse into one of Mexico’s most vibrant traditions: Lucha Libre, professional wrestling that emerged in the 1930s. Known for its colorful masks and dramatic storytelling, it symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil and has become a cultural phenomenon both in Mexico and abroad. Attention then turned to Mexican gastronomy, an essential expression of the nation’s identity. Guests learned how Mexican cuisine blends ancestral techniques with creativity, earning recognition by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This introduction was followed by a live cooking demonstration by Mexican chefs Fernanda and Daniela Pérez Barrera of Holy Guacamole Mexican Restaurant, who delighted the audience with authentic flavors. The morning was further enriched by live Mexican music performed by the artist Yousef, which added rhythm and atmosphere to the celebration.

A highlight of the event was the interactive Mercado Mexicano, which recreated the lively spirit of a traditional market. Stations included a Frutería (fruit shop) by Star Fruit Company, a Cafetería (coffee shop) by Laura Duclaud, a Panadería by Panadería La Corita, Esquites (corn trolley) by Mexican chef Lilia López, Artesanías (crafts shop) by Talavera Creations, a Florería (flower shop), an EstudioFotográfico (photo studio), and even a Kitco supermarket truck. This memorable morning offered guests an authentic taste of Mexico’s rich culture, art, flavors, and traditions while marking the launch of IWG’s 2025–2026 season in Kuwait— a season that promises to be both remarkable and inspiring. In closing, Mrs. Kochlamazashvili expressed her gratitude to all contributors who helped make the event a success. Special acknowledgements were extended to the Embassy of Mexico in Kuwait, Crowne Plaza Hotel, British School of Kuwait (BSK), Star Fruit, Sultan Centre, Talavera Creations, Mexita, KITCO, Holy Guacamole, and La Corita.