News & Events
What's new in POWWE'R? On this page, you can find the latest news on our projects, upcoming events and current activities.
The Queen of Hearts 2012
- International Beauty Contest and Valentine's Day Celebration
February 11, 2012
The Queen of Hearts 2012
Saturday 11.2.2012
from 20:00 hours
The Circus
Salomonkatu 1-3, Helsinki
Tickets 8 euros (incl. afterparty Platinum Status)
Age limit 18
The Queen of Hearts 2012 will take place on Saturday 11.2. at The Circus events centre right in the heart of Helsinki City. At the event, we will also take a kick start to Valentine’s Day, or Friendship Day as we call it in Finland, and celebrate global friendship and unity.
This year’s finalists have their roots in Russia, Estonia, Portugal, Vietnam, Kosovo, Malawi, Nigeria, Iraq - and Finland, of course. One of our Queen Candidates even has some Sámi blood in her. During the talent outing, each of the candidates gets a chance to showcase her own culture and expertise.
The winner of the contest is chosen by a panel of judges representing Finland’s front row celebrities, including Jani Toivola and Fatbardhe Hetemaj. The audience also gets to vote for their favourite. Come and show support your favourite Queen Candidate!
In addition to the contest, the night will also bring you aerial dance and acrobatics, Arabic dance as well as musical performances by Estonian and Indonesian artists.
And what’s more, the same ticket will give you entrance to the official after party Platinum Status - the most glamorous and international club event in town, taking over The Circus right after the Queen has been crowned.
Night of Kind Hearts
- Cultural performances and international food court
Night of Kind Hearts
Sat 10.12.2011, 18:00-21:00
International Cultural Centre Caisa
Mikonkatu 17 C, Helsinki
FREE ENTRANCE
Cultural performances from all over the world: music, dance, drama and much much more! Exotic foods from different countries!
Performances by
♥ Elizabeth Rokala (Tanzania)
♥ Kingfar Sungsook (Thailand)
♥ Karina Pavlova (Russia)
♥ Richie Gaa-Saunalammi (Philippines)
♥ Samantha Muluka (Kenya)
♥ Indonesian dance group
♥ Pacunet drama group
The host for the evening is Gaëlle Le Vu –The Queen of Hearts 2011.
At the international food court you can get a taste of foods from different countries - All profits will go to Umoja youth centre in Tanzania and Circolo degli Italiani in Finlandia.
Are You The Queen of Hearts 2012?
- Register now!
October 17 - December 31, 2011
The Queen of Hearts 2012 will be organised on Saturday 11 February 2012 in Helsinki. We welcome all international women in Finland to take part in the contest.
Registration period is 17 October - 31 December 2011. Winners will receive cash and product prizes: cosmetics, hair products, jewellery and much much more. And what's best, nobody will go home empty-handed!
If you are at least 18 years old, you have a good reputation and you think you've got what it takes to represent international women in Finland, hurry up and register now - you could be The Queen of Hearts 2012!
New Treasurer
October 7, 2011
POWWE’R ry held an additional general meeting on Thursday 6.10.2011 in Helsinki in order to elect a new treasurer as the former treasurer had resigned after moving abroad.
In the meeting, Paula Toivanen was elected treasurer and will take over financial tasks within the organisation.
Additional general meeting
October 6, 2011
POWWE’R ry will hold an additional general meeting on Thursday 6.10.2011 at 18:00 in Kaisaniemi.
The only issue on the agenda is the election of a new treasurer. New treasurer will be elected due to the fact that the former treasurer has resigned after moving abroad. A new board of members will be elected in its entirety in spring 2012.
Please note that the meeting is meant only for official members of the organisation who have paid their membership fee for the year 2011. More detailed information can be found in the invitation that has been sent to all members.
POWWE'R on summer break
July 2, 2011
After a long and successful season full of activities and projects, POWWE'R will go on a well-deserved summer break. We will be back to business as usual in August/September.
We wish everyone a very relaxing and sunny summer season. See you in the autumn!
Change in postal address
July 1, 2011
Our postal address has changed and is currently Kauppalantie 26 A 2, 00320 Helsinki. Please note that this is not a visiting address as we continue to organise our activities in different locations around the greater capital area.
POWWE'R email and other web addresses remain the same despite the change in the postal address.
POWWE'R at World Village Festival
May 28-29, 2011
World Village Festival
28.-29.5.2011
Kaisaniemi Park and Railway Square
Free entrance
POWWE'R will take part in World Village Festival in Helsinki at the end of May. During the two-day festival, you can meet us at our table (E243) in the Market of Opportunities Tent in Kaisaniemi Park. Come hear about our plans for the summer and autumn while checking out beautiful gift items from hand-made jewellery and crafts to ethnic snacks!
As in previous years, POWWE’R is also producing factual programme for the festival. On Saturday 28th May at 16:10 on the Taiga Stage, Mr Joaquim Boavida discusses the Save and Protect the Planet photo exhibition and talks about how businesses in the South can raise awareness on sustainable development through their operations.
Save and Protect the Planet
- Photos on Sustainable Development in Africa
April 29 - June 16, 2011
Save and Protect the Planet
- Photo exhibition on sustainable development in Africa
29.4.-16.6.2011
International Cultural Centre Caisa
Mikonkatu 17C, 00100 Helsinki
Free entrance
The exhibition presents perspectives on sustainable development by five African photographers. Walter Fernandes (Angola), Mwanzo Millinga (Tanzania), Felix Masi (Kenya), Nana Kofi Acquah (Ghana) and Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi (Zimbabwe) each approach the topic through lively and touching photos portraying megacities, resource issues, ground water, soil and health.
The photos convey the message of sustainable consumption – utilising natural resources to meet our current needs while keeping in mind the needs of future generations.
The exhibition was produced by Banco Espirito Santo Angola and World Press Photo for a UNESCO summit on planet earth in 2009. POWWE'R ry – Proud of Who We Are and One House are bringing this internationally acclaimed exhibition to Finland with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
The exhibition will be opened by His Excellency Mr Domingos Culolo, Ambassador of Angola.
Join POWWE'R and Sambic for Helsinki Samba Carnaval - Register by 31.3.2011!
June 11, 2011
Helsinki Samba Carnaval
Sat 11.6.2011
Helsinki City Centre
Cost of participation 25 euros
Binding registrations by Fri 31.3.2011 to powwer@powwer.org
Join POWWE'R and Sambic dance school for a day full of Brazilian rhythms and great atmosphere at the Helsinki Samba Carnaval!
Sambic dance school is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and has invited us to join in the festivities. They have kindly promised to guide even first-timers through all festival practicalities from the dress code to detailed info on what to do in the carnival procession. No previous samba experience is required!
The cost of participation is a mere 25 euros per person. More information on the carnival and the payment will be sent to registered participants at the beginning of April.
Interested? Register by sending email with you name, email and phone number to powwer@powwer.org by Friday 31.3.2011 the latest. Please note that registrations are binding!
Annual Meeting 2011
March 23, 2011
POWWE’R ry Annual Meeting for the year 2011 will take place Wednesday 23 March 2011 at 18:00 in Learning Centre Aleksandria (Fabianinkatu 26/28, 00100 Helsinki).
According to the rules of POWWE’R ry, the term of office for the Executive Board is two year. As the current Board was elected in 2010, the next election won’t be take place until the year 2012.
Please note that the meeting is meant only for those who have officially registered as members by filling in the membership application on our website or on paper and paid their membership fee for the year 2010/2011.
Welcome!
More info
Chairperson Ehi Enakimio, tel. 041 530 4136, ehi.enakimio@powwer.org
General secretary Kaisa Kolari, tel. 044 368 8363, kaisa.kolari@powwer.org
Gaëlle from France is The Queen of Hearts 2011
February 12, 2011
The Queen of Hearts 2011 was organised on Saturday 12 February 2011 at Helsinki Club in the heart of Helsinki city centre.
Gaëlle Le Vu from France was crowned the winner. Karina Pavlova from Russia came second and the third place went to Moffi Henriette from Cameroon.
Windi Muziasari from Indonesia was voted as the audience favourite and Elena Lezhneva from Russia won a special prize from Cime Hair Design for her amazing attitude throughout the contest.
We would like to thank all the candidates, sponsors, performers and of course the audience for making The Queen of Hearts 2011 a success.
Grant from the Foreign Ministry of Finland
January 19, 2011
POWWE'R has received a grant from the Foreign Ministry of Finland for bringing a photo exhibition on sustainable development in Africa to Helsinki in April-June 2011.
The exhibition is titled Save and Protect the Planet and will feature photos from five African photographers. The exhibition will be on display at Cultural Centre Caisa.
POWWE'R at Stoa Christmas Bazaar
December 10 — December 12, 2010
Stoa Christmas Bazaar
Friday 10.12. - Sunday 12.12.2010,
Time: 13:00-18:00
Cultural Centre Stoa (Itäkeskus)
Turunlinnantie 1, Helsinki
Free entrance
Welcome to take part in the colourful Christmas bazaar where different associations and artisans present and sell their work at the Stoa gallery. Handicrafts, art, decorations, fabrics and delicacies from all over the world.
You can also find POWWE'R stall at the Bazaar. Come and see what global Christmas delicacies we have in store for you!
Online Creative Writing Course in English
October 20 — December 7, 2010
Let's get creative! Our new online creative writing course offers you the chance to develop your writing skills with weekly writing challenges promised to spark your imagination.
Online Creative Writing Course in English
Duration: 20.10.-7.12.2010
Cost: 30 euros / 20 euros for full-time students (proof of eligibility required!)
Each week will feature a different writing assignment designed to help you develop your skills as a writer and introduce you to a new literary device. You will receive weekly feedback on your texts from the course instructor. Participants are also encouraged to read and comment on each others' work.
The course takes place entirely on a user-friendly online platform so you can participate when it best suits your timetable. You don't necessarily have to be a native speaker of English to participate – oftentimes being non-native even helps in creating colourful expressions and images!
Register for the course by filling in the form below. Information on the method of payment and further instruction will be sent to your email after you have registered. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us!
Registration for the course has ended.
Registration Period for The Queen of Hearts 2011
October 1 — December 31, 2010
Do you have what it takes to take home the sash, the cash and the crown? We are looking for smart and talented international women to take part in the contest.
If you are at least 18 years old, you have a good reputation and you think you've got what it takes to represent the international women in Finland, you could be The Queen of Hearts in the making!
The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize along with fabulous products prizes from our partners. Nobody will go home empty-handed!
Woman to Woman
- Open Meetings for International Women
September 3 — December 3, 2010
Open meetings for international women every first Friday of the month 18:00-20:00 hrs at Pasilan Asukastalo (Topparikuja 2, Helsinki). Participation is free of charge.
More information and registrations: powwer(at)powwer.org
Women and violence – Dealing with different emotions and life situations
Friday 3.9.2010, 18:00-20:00
Pasilan Asukastalo (Topparikuja 2, Helsinki)
Tanja Harju from Maria-Akatemia's MaSu project talks about her work with women and violence. Sometimes women can end up hurting the ones close to them. Discussion on life management and emotions related to different situations.
The Queen of Hearts – Representing International Women in Finland
Friday 1.10.2010, 18:00-20:00
Pasilan Asukastalo (Topparikuja 2, Helsinki)
Winner of The Queen of Hearts international beauty contest Elizabeth Rokala talks about her experience in representing international women. Registration period for The Queen of Hearts 2011 opens. Ethnic snacks will be served and participants get to enjoy a bit of pampering.
Women and Business – Turning Potential into Profit
Friday 5.11.2010, 18:00-20:00
Pasilan Asukastalo (Topparikuja 2, Helsinki)
Nontharos Kiatwisanchai talks about her experience as a business owner and discussed how she started her own company, Absolute Trade. Discussion on business ideas and advice on how to realise them.
Season's Celebration for International Women
Friday 3.12.2010, 18:00-20:00
Pasilan Asukastalo (Topparikuja 2, Helsinki)
Welcome to a bring-a-dish party where we enjoy food from different countries, music and good company! Discussion on season's traditions in different parts of the world.
New POWWE'R Brochure
July 1, 2010
POWWE'R has published a new brochure. The brochure is available in Finnish and English.
International Climbing GroupSeptember 17 – November 19, 2010
Learn a new skill, meet new people and keep fit! Now you have the unique opportunity to try the fantastic sport of climbing in an international atmosphere with a native English-speaker for instructor!
International Climbing Group
Fridays 18:00-19:30 hrs
17.9.-19.11.2010
Helsingin Kiipeilykeskus in Tapanila
Cost: 12 euros per session (total 120e)
includes insurance and equipment hire
The group will meet altogether ten times on Friday evenings. The cost of the course is a discount price of 12 euros per session and it includes the compulsory insurance and equipment.
The group will start from the very basics progressing towards training participants to competently lead climb both indoors and outdoors. Each session will feature climbing.
The number of participants is limited so don't wait around – sign up now! Registrations are binding and participants are expected to pay the cost in full before the start of the group for insurance reasons. Information on the method of payment and course programme will be sent to your email after you have registered. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to Contact Us!
Registration for the group has closed.
Oil Palava, Government Wahala
- Democracy and Development in Nigeria
May 21 - June 1, 2010
Nigerian documentary film maker and societal activist Ihria Enakimio arrives in Finland to discuss the democracy development of his home country and provide answers to the question: where is Nigeria going after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua?
Interview with Ihria Enakimio on Lähiradio
Wed 26.5.2010; 21:30-22:30
Contact radio magazine
Lähiradio 100.3. FM
Panel discussion on democracy and development in Nigeria
Thu 27.5.2010, 17:00-20:00
Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki
Free entrance
Interview with Ihria Enakimio at World Village festival
Sat 29.5.2010, 16:30-17:00
Mekong Stage, Railway Square Helsinki
Free entrance
Documentary films from Nigeria
Sat 29.5.2010, 18:00-20:00
Cultural Centre Caisa, Helsinki
Free entrance
During his stay, Mr Enakimio will meet with representatives of Finnish organizations, companies and other instances to discuss democracy development and the impact of corruption on human rights in the oil-rich delta area of his country.
The visit is part of Oil Palava, Government Wahala – Democracy and Development in Nigeria communications project carried out by POWWE’R ry with funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.
POWWE'R at World Village Festival
May 29-30, 2010
POWWE'R will take part in World Village Festival in Helsinki at the end of May. During the two-day festival, you can meet us at our table in the Market of Opportunities Tent in Kaisaniemi Park. Come hear about our plans for the summer and autumn while checking out beautiful gift items from hand-made jewellery and crafts to ethnic snacks!
On Saturday 29th May at 16:30, documentary film maker Ihria Enakimio from Nigeria will be interviewed on the Mekong Stage right in front of the Central Railway Station. He will discuss his films, the societal situation in Nigeria and the role oil plays in the current state of the country.
More info on the festival and the programme
POWWE'R May Day Picnic
May 1, 2010
POWWE'R May Day Picnic
Saturday 1st May, starting at 12:00
Kaivopuisto Park, Helsinki
The picnic will take place in Kaivopuisto park on Saturday 1st May starting at 12:00. On
May Day, all of Helsinki will gather in the park to celebrate Vappu, the Finnish spring
fest.
The picnic works on bring-a-dish basis - we provide the basics but we encourage you to bring
something to snack on, preferably from your own country for others to taste!
You will find us in the park close to the Kaivohuone building.
The Royal Diary
- Official Blog for The Queen of Hearts
April 29, 2010
Check out The Royal Diary - A blog where Queen Lisa shares news and updates on The Queen of Hearts projects and issues concerning international women.
Join in the discussion, your comments are warmly welcome!
POWWE'R Blog Opened
March 29, 2010
The blog will feature cultural topics, news and info on POWWE'R projects and other current issues. Comment, request, suggest, discuss - Your input is warmly welcome!
New POWWE'R Board Elected
March 4, 2010
POWWE'R ry held its Annual Meeting 2010 on Wednesday 3rd March. A new board was elected.
In addition to the administrative board, an advisory board was set up to develop certain
key areas of the organisation.
Administrative Board
Chairperson: Ehi Enakimio
Vice-Chairperson: Verite Sikwe-Künnap
General Secretary: Kaisa Kolari
Treasurer: Saara Miettinen
Advisory Board
Communications:
Gulsana Koomanova, Anna Tkacheva, Andrew Capey
Project Development:
Mirfat Awadh, Sílvia Daianna Alfredo Neto
Artist Management:
Jialin Li, Richie Gaa Saunalammi
POWWE'R ry Annual Meeting
March 3, 2010
POWWE'R annual meeting will be held on Wednesday 3 March, 2010 at 18:00. The meeting will
take place in Kaisaniemi at Learning Centre Aleksandria (Fabianinkatu 26/28, Helsinki).
This year, a new board will be elected. More info and the agenda will be sent to all active members. All members who have paid their membership fee are welcome to take part in
the meeting.
Discussion Group for Women in Bicultural Relationship
March 9 - April 27, 2010
Multicultural Women's Circle
Tuesday evenings 18:00-19:30 hrs
Maria Akatemia (Fredrikinkatu 32 A 12, Helsinki)
Participation is free of charge!
DUO discussion group for women in bicultural relationships starts in March. The language of the meetings is English. Participation is free of charge. The first meeting will be held 9.3.2010 and there will be altogether seven meetings.
The group offers participants a chance to share the joys and sorrows of intercultural family life in a confidential and understanding environment. Themes such as female and male identities, raising children, extended family, languages and communication will be discussed in the group. The participants will also have a say in what topic the group will cover.
Familia Club's DUO is a project for intercultural couples and families. The project is financed by Finland's Slot Machine Association. The group is organised in cooperation with POWWE'R ry and Maria Akatemia.
Elizabeth from Tanzania is The Queen of Hearts 2010
February 14, 2010
The Queen of Hearts 2010 was organised Saturday 13 February, 2010. At the end of the
night, Elizabeth Rokala from Tanzania was crowned The Queen of Hearts 2010. The second
place went to Anna Tkacheva from Russia and Gulsana Koomanova from Kyrgyzstan came third.
Some 250 people followed the contest at Virgin Oil. Pictures from the event are available
on the contest website. The new Queen will start working onher own charity project already during this spring. Stay tuned for more info!
Get Ready to Crown The Queen of Hearts 2010!
February 13, 2010
The Queen of Hearts
- International Beauty Contest and Valentine's Day Celebration
Sat 13 February, 2010;
19:00-22:00 hrs
Virgin Oil Co.
Mannerheimintie 5, Helsinki
Tickets 7e (incl. after party: Club Swagga)
Age limit 18
On Saturday 13 February, ten amazing international women will take centre stage at restaurant Virgin Oil Co. and compete for the coveted crown of The Queen of Hearts.
The night will also bring you dance and music performances from all around the world. Latin rhythms, African moves and Asian melodies will fill the air as we celebrate the day of global friendship.
Avoid queueing and get your tickets in advance from Bellus Hair & Beauty (Ilmarinkatu 14) - www.bhb.fi. Cash only! Ticket sales open on Wednesday 20 January. The same ticket will give you access to the official after party Club Swagga - the hottest international urban party in town, taking over Virgin Oil right after the Queen has been crowned!
Don't miss out on the most colouful intercultural events of the year!
Grant from the Foreign Ministry of Finland
January 19, 2010
POWWE'R has received a grant from the Foreign Ministry of Finland for a development
communications project on democracy and development in Nigeria.
The project is titled Oil Palava, Government Wahala and will feature several activities in May as documentary film maker Ihria Enakimio visits Finland to discuss the situation in his home country.
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