International Women’s Club (IWC) Durban President Ambikaa K. Vij is creating a space for expats to find friendship and fun.
Artist, Reiki practitioner and president of the International Women’s Club Durban, Ambikaa knows what it’s like to start over in a new country. Today, she’s passionate about creating a welcoming space where women from around the world can find friendship, purpose and a true sense of belonging.
A creative soul
Born in New Delhi and now based in Umhlanga, Ambikaa spent 14 years in corporate South Africa before following her true passion as an artist. An accomplished oil painter, she has exhibited her work locally and internationally and also founded Heart Glow, a practice that combines Reiki and meditation.
“At heart, I believe deeply in the power of community, connection and the quiet wisdom that women carry within them,” she says.
Finding her tribe
When Ambikaa first arrived in Durban, she was searching for exactly what so many newcomers long for – a sense of belonging.
“The International Women’s Club spoke directly to that need,” she says. “There is nothing quite like watching a woman arrive feeling uncertain, and then seeing her, weeks later, laughing freely and feeling completely at home.”
Today, IWC Durban brings together women from different countries and cultures through social events, coffee mornings, book club, walking groups, cooking experiences, yoga, padel and cultural outings, creating friendships that often last a lifetime.
Leading with heart
One of Ambikaa’s proudest moments came when IWC founder and outgoing president Mariella Di Natale invited her to take on the role of president.
“It felt like being handed a flame to carry forward,” she says. “Leadership, at its truest, is an act of trust passed from one woman to another.”
Looking ahead
Having experienced personal loss and the challenges of building a life far from home, Ambikaa is inspired by the resilience of the women she meets every day.
“My hope is that I can give even one woman the comfort of knowing she is not alone.”
As IWC Durban continues to grow, she hopes to welcome even more women while expanding the club’s community outreach and charity work.
“I would love to be remembered as someone who led with heart, who made every woman feel she belonged, and who left the club a little warmer, a little stronger and a little more full of light than when she found it.”
Details: www.iwcdurbanwomanclub.com
