Our Story
IT STARTED WITH ...
a need to connect.
PWOW grew from something simple — women looking for connection, community and a place where they could feel they belonged.
THE BEGINNING.
So, how did it all begin?
THERE WASN’T
ONE BIG MOMENT.
There were lots of little ones.
Conversations with women who were looking for something more — meaningful friendships, somewhere to turn for support or information, or simply other women who understood.
For Sylwia, those conversations felt familiar.
Having lived away from Poland for many years, she had built a life in Wales — a place she proudly calls home — while still understanding what it can feel like to belong, in different ways, to two places.
And somewhere among all those conversations, one simple thought kept coming back:
Why don’t we create that space ourselves?
THE NEED
What was missing?
A SENSE OF COMMUNITY.
Somewhere you didn't have to explain yourself too much.
For many women, building a life in a new place can also mean building a new sense of belonging.
Friendships, familiar networks and the people you would naturally turn to may no longer be just around the corner. And while support and services exist, knowing where to go — or simply feeling comfortable enough to ask — is not always easy.
What was missing wasn't necessarily only a Polish community. It was something more human: a relaxed, genuine space to meet other women, make real connections and feel understood.
“You can build a whole life somewhere and still sometimes feel that part of you sits between two places.”
OUR ROOTS
Why Polish Women of Wales?
OUR ROOTS ARE POLISH.
But belonging doesn't stop at borders.
PWOW began with the experiences of Polish women building their lives in Wales — women creating a home in one place while carrying another with them.
Polish identity will always be part of our story. But as the community grew, something became increasingly clear: the need for connection, understanding and belonging isn't unique to any one nationality.
Women from different backgrounds began joining us. New friendships formed, experiences were shared and the community naturally became wider.
Opening PWOW to all women across Wales wasn't a departure from where we began.
It was a natural continuation of it.
THE GROWTH
When did it become something more?
WHEN PEOPLE STARTED
BRINGING SOMETHING BACK.
Something bigger began to grow.
Women came not only to take part, but to contribute.
They brought their knowledge, experience, ideas and generosity. Professionals wanted to collaborate. Community organisations began reaching out. Conversations grew into new possibilities around health, wellbeing, education, prevention and support.
What began as a space for connection was becoming something more — a community shaped not only by what women could find within it, but by what they could bring to it.
Once you create the right space, people really do want to help each other.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
And where are we now?
FROM A SIMPLE IDEA
TO A GROWING COMMUNITY.
Women. Ideas. Experience. Knowledge. Partnerships.
Today, PWOW is a Community Interest Company bringing women together through community, wellbeing, education and support.
Our work continues to grow through new projects and partnerships, including Project HER, supported by The National Lottery Community Fund.
What began with a simple need for connection has become a community with new ideas, new opportunities and plenty still ahead.
And we're only getting started.
AND ONE MORE THING
What do we want every woman to know?
THERE IS A PLACE
FOR YOU HERE.
Come as you are.
You don't have to already know anyone. You don't have to have it all figured out.
Come to connect. Come to discover something new. Come when you need support — or when you have something of your own to share.
Because community isn't only about what we receive.
It's also about what we bring to it.