A look at what our members have been doing together.
Moving beyond Auto is more fun together! IWP’s Shoot Happens photography group brings members together to build camera skills through monthly challenges, photo discussions and regular photo walks. With room for a few more enthusiastic photographers, now is a great time to join.
Shoot Happens is an IWP Photography Group for women who own a DSLR or mirrorless camera and would like to move beyond using the Auto setting, become more confident with their camera, or simply enjoy photography and join a group that encourages them to get out and use their camera.
Each month, the group focuses on one photography skill, with a short reading and a practical photography assignment. Assignments are tailored to different levels of experience: Core, Stretch and Pro.
You might be a complete beginner or a very experienced photographer. The main requirement is that you are willing and able to complete the short reading and assignment each month, then submit your favourite photos before the meeting so that we can review and discuss them together.
Members who are unable to attend a meeting can still participate by completing the assignment and sharing their photos. We also organise group photo walks approximately every two months.
The group meets once a month, on the first Thursday, from 4:30 pm to approximately 6:00 pm. Meetings are currently held at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Estoril, although we are also exploring alternative venues.
We currently have space for an additional three or four members who are committed to participating in the programme. We are simply looking for enthusiastic photographers who would enjoy learning together, sharing their work and, above all, having fun!
A selection of photographs by Shoot Happens members, capturing different perspectives as we learn and explore together.
Medieval streets, rooftop wine and traditional pottery: IWP members and guests explored Monsaraz and São Pedro do Corval on 17 October, discovering Alentejo’s history, craftsmanship and a little romantic folklore along the way.
The day began in the medieval hilltop village of Monsaraz, with a stroll through its narrow streets and historical sites, followed by a glass of wine on the rooftop of the Ervideira wine shop.
After free time for lunch, the group continued to São Pedro do Corval to discover its colourful ceramics and visit a traditional pottery workshop.
The group also visited the Pedra dos Namorados (Lovers’ Stone), a distinctive mushroom-shaped granite rock associated with an old marriage tradition. On Easter Monday, unmarried women would toss small stones onto its broad top: each failed attempt was said to represent another year’s wait for marriage.
One local legend tells of two young lovers who met secretly behind the rock because their families disapproved. When the girl’s suspicious father followed her, she claimed she was consulting the stone about her marriage prospects. She persuaded him to try it himself—with his back turned—giving her sweetheart a chance to escape!
See the day through Alexandra Williamson’s lens—watch her reel in our Facebook group.
Fifty members gathered at the InterContinental Hotel in Cascais for our second 35th anniversary afternoon tea celebration. The sold-out event brought together fabulous fascinators, sweet treats and stories from IWP’s history.
A special thank you goes to Tess Robeson for organising the celebration and encouraging members to embrace the occasion with their headwear. Some fascinators were bought, others lovingly handcrafted, adding a personal touch to the afternoon. Tea and a special anniversary cake gave everyone plenty to enjoy as we celebrated together.
Our special guest, honorary member Sharon Wake, shared memories of her time as President in 2011–12. She reflected on IWP’s role in supporting women in Portugal and the friendships and connections made through our social events and activities.
Looking back over 35 years, one thought captured the spirit of the occasion: “What was a great idea before is still a great idea now!” As IWP continues to develop, we’ll draw inspiration from past activities while exploring new initiatives.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this anniversary celebration such a success. Here’s to more shared experiences, lasting friendships and reasons to wear a fabulous hat!
Members came together in September to raise a glass to 35 years of International Women in Portugal, celebrating the friendships, shared experiences and community that make IWP special.
Beautiful weather set the scene for our first anniversary gathering. Louise Strasenburgh reflected on the importance of our members and the friendships formed through IWP as we toasted the past 35 years and looked ahead to many more.
The anniversary also gave us a chance to revisit our history through two photo albums filled with members’ memories, articles from early Janela newsletters, and photographs of events and activities over the years. Together, they celebrate the many women whose time, talents and enthusiasm have helped shape IWP into the community it is today.
And a little perspective from those early days: IWP ended its first year with 85 members, each paying 4,000 escudos, approximately €20. Today, we have around 950 members, with annual membership still just €25. A much bigger community, with the same spirit of friendship at its heart.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration, and to all the members, past and present, who have been part of our story.
IWP members stepped into centuries of Portuguese history on a guided tour of Mafra National Palace, exploring its grand rooms, remarkable library and hidden corners.
Organized by our wonderful Martina, the visit took the group through the palace’s vast halls, royal reception rooms, historic infirmary and billiard room before reaching its magnificent library.
It was another memorable opportunity to discover Portugal’s history together, enjoy good company and experience one of the country’s most extraordinary landmarks up close.