In the Autumn of 1970, a small group of women, most of whom had been active members of the United Nations Women’s Guild in New York, held a series of meetings to consider the desirability of founding a similar guild in Geneva. As a result of their deliberations, a meeting of about 50 women was held on 9 December 1970 in the American Community House, at which the suggested statutes and by-laws, based mainly on those of the New York Guild, were approved. The first Executive Committee was elected; a minimal membership fee was accepted and the UNWG of Geneva came into being in its present form. From 9 February 1971 regular meetings have taken place.

Villa les Feuillantines

Since 1970 location for meetings have changed several times; the American Community House served only for the first meeting. The Villa Rigot also proved too small and the Monthly Meetings were held in the Salle de la Tour, 15 Chemin du Pommier, until during the year 1975-1976, the ILO kindly allowed us to hold our Monthly Meetings in the recreation room of their building - a privilege we still enjoy.

Also in 1975, the UN allocated an office for our use, first in the Palais itself and later in the annex at Petit Saconnex.

Like the New York Women’s Guild, the Geneva Guild has the twofold aim of welcoming and forming a social and cultural center for women, who are “connected with the UN, the specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations with headquarters in Geneva” and diplomatic missions, and of “assisting children in need throughout the world”. Since that first meeting in 1970 the Guild has expanded, developed and diversified its activities, but has never strayed from the guidelines then adopted.

Fundraising, which began in February 1971 collecting about 16000 CHF, has developed into the present Bazaar, visited by about 6000 persons. The sum of CHF 310000 was raised to be distributed to different children’s projects worldwide.