IWG host The Kuwaiti Group ‘The North Pole Challenge’

The International Women’s Group (IWG) kicked off its new year of activities 2019-20 by hosting a unique and special event yesterday, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Farwaniya. Joining the event was the Kuwaiti adventurer Abdullah Al Husainan and his team of 12 explorers, who shared their unique experiences.

Also attending the event were IWG members, including the wives of Ambassadors to Kuwait, as well as a selection of prominent women within Kuwaiti society. Members and their guests were greeted by IWG President, Anita de Vogel, who welcomed them back and thanked them for their ongoing support and contributions.

In the commencement speech, Anita remembered the beloved late IWG Honorary President, Sheikha Anwar Faisal Al-Sabah, who passed away last month. Sheikha Anwar was fondly remembered for her active role in IWG and the wider community as well as her kindness, humility, care, generosity and loving nature that was felt by all that knew her.

Anita spoke of how many members expressed to her the personal connection and impact that she had on their lives and how sorely she will be missed. Anita also vowed that she and her board will continue to guide the IWG in the vision and values that Sheikha Anwar had for the group. A short film, prepared by IWG, was played that highlighted the many fond memories of Sheikha Anwar.

Anita went on to introduce Abdullah Al Husainan who shared his experience with IWG of leading a Kuwait team of explorers on an exciting 8-day journey to the frozen island of Svalbard. Driven by the love of adventure, his team of explorers and he travelled to the Norwegian Arctic Ocean to explore the unknown. On their expedition, they encountered a sparsely inhabited yet stunningly beautiful nature that challenged the team’s determination and patience whilst also pushing them to the limits of their physical, psychological and intellectual capacities.

Following their successful trip, they note their enhanced respective skill set as a result of overcoming those challenges and an indepth understanding of survival techniques required in the polar atmosphere. These techniques include how to maintain and regulate body temperature in the extreme weather, how to deal with exceptional circumstances such as snowstorms and even how to protect themselves from polar bears. Husainan explained how the planning stages of their adventure started in April with the selection of people who were to become the team of explorers. This team comprised of men and women who were trained and well equipped to face challenges such as the extreme weather conditions they would encounter.

Husainan and his team noted the power of positive thinking as well as the importance of drive and passion that is necessary for such adventures. A short documentary was played following their talk that showcased the team’s many adventures, including a 2013 trip where the team was able to proudly raise the Kuwaiti flag. A short question and answer session followed. The IWG event ended with exciting prizes for lucky raffle winners as well as a meal expertly prepared by the very talented chefs of Crowne Plaza Hotel. Anita and her IWG board thanked the hotel, guest speakers, event organizers and all attendees for their contributions in making this a successful, exciting and memorable event marking the start of the year.