Picture of AWL Endometriosis Awareness event held in March.

The biggest challenge comes in the face of expatriates is the the social integration and the feeling of being an active part of society. This is usual. The fundamental differences in traditions and religion would be a stumbling block. But nevertheless, we find that some people succeed in penetrating all communities and have the ability to earn the trust of others through volunteer work.

Four American ladies, all came with their spouses who are in an official work mission to Kuwait, have decided to be play an active community role and to become some of the best representatives of their home country. Lynda Van Greenstone, Heather Kaczmarek, Nadiyeh Mayyahi and Tara Rogers, the new board of the American Women's League in Kuwait.

"I have been the president of the league for eight months. As an executive board together we have bonded and we have with all of our strength been able to put together some great events. I hope that we are making some positive changes for the American women living here in Kuwait. Those whose are expats, those who are married to Kuwaitis and other diplomats, and other Kuwaiti women," said Lynda Van Greenstone, AWL president.

Founded more than 50 years ago, the American Women's League provides social, culture, educational and philanthropic activities for American women living in Kuwait. Although the League is administered by Americans, membership is not exclusive to Americans, as Nadiyeh Mayyahi, AWL secretary, explained. "Our membership here is not only for Americans. It's 70 percent American and 30 percent associate members from all over the world. If you do attend one of our events, you'll see a kind of United Nations of ladies," she said. Nadiya, affirmed by the board members, is the most organized person they know and she's the glue that keeps the group together. "I was actually born and raised in Kuwait and coming back to Kuwait to me is like a full circle moment. I got involved with AWL volunteering and was pleased with all the awareness being raised in Kuwait," she said.

The AWL aims to help bring American women in Kuwait - and spouses or parents of American citizens - together here.

"I'm used this lifestyle because I'm a military brat. I also lived in Qatar previously over four years, so I'm used to moving and used to this region. I know that women can be very lonely, so I wanted them to get involved. The league needed a new crew and we were asked to take their place," Heather Kaczmarek, AWL vice president said.

Tara Rogers, AWL Treasurer, believes that being at the AWL gives American women who come to Kuwait with their husbands a chance to meet each other and socialize and work together to make a difference and raise awareness for good causes. "We are all passionate about empowering other women," Tara said.

The AWL upcoming event will be on May 7th, It's going to be a Mother's Day brunch which will be at the Jumeirah Hotel. However, the league will take time off during Ramadan.

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi