Embracing the ethos of “Coming Together to Inspire and Empower,” SIWA is committed to fostering community growth and driving impactful social initiatives. At our core, we champion the values of diversity, inclusion, and unity reflected in all our endeavours. SIWA’s programs and philanthropic projects are created to nurture our communities through innovative, synergistic partnerships, thus positively impacting the broader society.
Our signature projects launched in 2023, include “Coming Together,” a global initiative promoting social impact, community cohesion, and youth empowerment; “In Their Own Words,” a Speaker Series amplifying women’s narratives and experiences; and “SIWA Connect,” a community engagement platform designed to strengthen unity and bolster support networks within the community.
Engaging with diverse partners from diplomatic, international, and local spheres empowers us to advance our mission of supporting disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Notable collaborators in 2023 include the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association of Seoul (ASAS), the Embassy of India, the Italian Cultural Institute (IIC) of Seoul, Seoul Foreign School, Dwight School, and the Radcliffe Choral Society.
A significant milestone for SIWA is our successful transition into a nonprofit corporation under the auspices of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2024. We will embark on a new chapter in our journey and carry forward SIWA’s legacy of fostering inclusivity, vibrancy, and positive change within and beyond our communities.
SIWA in the News
Earth Day Essay | 2025-04-28
If You Had One Wish for The World…
This reflective personal essay, written by SIWA’s administrator and eco-contributor, explores the author’s lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability, beginning with a childhood wish to eliminate environmental pollution. It chronicles experiences from smuggling glass bottles for recycling while working in England, to her recent marine conservation volunteering efforts in Abu Dhabi. The author shares a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment found in eco-conscious living. She emphasizes that even small, individual actions can create meaningful impact and inspire change. Ultimately, the article encourages readers to view sustainability not as a sacrifice, but as a fulfilling way to live in harmony with nature.
International Policy Digest | 2025-02-09
South Korea’s Path to Gender Equity: Interview with Sunghwa Han
This article presents key insights from an interview with Sunghwa Han, Board Chair and Executive Director of the Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA). Han reflects on SIWA’s mission to empower women and advance gender equality, highlighting the organization’s transformative journey and its dedication to celebrating and championing diversity and inclusion.
Founded in 1962, SIWA has evolved from a support network for diplomatic and expatriate spouses into a leading philanthropic nonprofit. Today, it focuses on cultural exchange, volunteerism, and impact-driven leadership development, guided by two core pillars: community-building and social impact initiatives.
Han emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive, dynamic, and authentic dialogue to strengthen connections across diverse cultures and generations. She also highlights the pivotal role of youth mentorship in engaging and empowering the next generation to address South Korea’s gender equity challenges.
Through initiatives such as purposeful networking events and collective community service, SIWA remains steadfast in its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting social impact. By fostering sustainable, long-term collaborations that bridge local and international communities, initiating collaborative projects with a creative mindset, and embracing collaboration and inclusion, SIWA exemplifies the power of unity and shared purpose in driving progress while paving the way for a more equitable and connected future.
The Korea Times | 2023-07-17
Indian Embassy introduces its culture to Korean youth
Indian Embassy, in cooperation with SIWA as part of the association’s community-building initiative “Coming Together”, hosted an event for the Korean boys at Seongnam Youth Support Center and Youth Share House, introducing the country’s rich culture at the embassy’s Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, July 13.
The event included a video presentation about India’s vibrant heritage, followed by an art workshop, Indian dance “kathak” lessons and yoga to the young boys from the shelter. Indian refreshments were also served.
The Korea Times | 2023-06-7
SIWA hosts community-building initiatives with diplomatic community
The Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA) launched a joint volunteering and community-building initiative “Coming Together,”. The initiative focuses on providing marginalized youth with opportunities to experience different cultures and build self-esteem, including the creation of a scholarship fund.
The kick-off event was held in partnership with the Soyang Rainbow Children’s Home, a refuge for orphaned and abandoned children since 1946, and the Radcliffe Choral Society (RCS). During the joyous event, youths from Soyang and RCS students collaborated through music and games, with the Soyang children teaching the RCS students to sing the Korean folk song “Arirang.”
AMCHAM’s CSR News & Highlights | 2022, 4th quarter