Sisters are doin'it for themselves

 
'Women-only' activities are currently mushrooming in the Netherlands. In case you would also like to do things just in the company of women sometimes, but are unsure where to look for them, the International Page provides you with some pointers.
 
Social Networks
International Neighbour Group
The International Neighbour Group organizes weekly coffee mornings exclusively for the wives of UT-ers. Pre-school children can be brought along. The coffee mornings take place in the Schermerhorn Lounge on the first floor of the ITC International Hotel each Thursday from 10am until noon.
 
Women in Twente
An other popular network for internationally-minded women is the Women in Twente (WiT) network. Members' backgrounds are highly diverse, from expats' wives to professional women, making it a good circle to network as well.
 
Each month members assemble around a potluck lunch in the home of one of the members. But WiT also organizes a wide range of other events, from clothes swopping activities to a book club. WiT's website is currently under reconstruction, but email info@womenintwente.nl for further information or to join.
 
Female Faculty Network
Although a professional network, joining the UT's Female Faculty Network can greatly help you to expand your social horizons as well – many tight friendships already developed as a result of frequent visits to their meetings. Moreover, the many workshops they organize for female academics can help you to seriously invest in your career, covering a wide range of topics from boosting assertiveness to voice training exercises.
 
Cinema
If you are a fan of girly movies and consider yourself a fashionista then Wolff Bioscopen Cinestar's Ladies Nights might be of interest to you. A Ladies Night ticket entitles you to a free welcome drink, shopping at some jewelery and fashion accessories stalls, a Goodie bag upon departure, and, oh yes, the film itself.
 
The first upcoming Lady Night is Wednesday 2 November, during which I don't know how she does it will be screened. The evening starts at 7:00pm; tickets are €11,50 per person. To reserve call 053-8504600.
 
Swimming
Each Friday from 1:00pm to 2:30pm 'Hallenbad Gronau', just across the German border, reserves the pool for women.  The swimming pool is located at the Laubstiege 31, Gronau. Tickets are €3.00 for adults. Phone 0049-(0)2562717890 for further details.
 
If  you cannot swim yet - for example because in your home country swimming lessons were not common for females - but always dreamed of being able to, then participate in the UT's Sports Centre  'absolute beginners' swimming lessons. Costs are €25 for 10 lessons. The lessons take place on Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 6:45pm. Because many learners are female chances are that you can join a female-only group, if you desire so. To be eligible, you must hold either an employee card or an Xtra card. Phone 053-4891148 for further information or visit the Sport Centre's website.
 
Transport
 If you don't have a car but want a female taxi driver you can call 088-4607080 for Fortezz' Roze Dames Taxi ('Pink Ladies Taxi').
 
Honk, honk! There you go for your swim, coffee morning or whatever other fun 'ladies only' activity you chose to explore.
 
Marloes van Amerom