About AIWC

Founded in 1994 by four members, the Almaty International Women’s Club (AIWC) has grown to a diverse community of more than 160 members representing over 40 countries, including Kazakhstan. AIWC is an English-speaking social organization that supports the international community in Almaty while giving back to local society through charitable initiatives.

Vision Statement

A supportive and caring community of international women building relationships founded on mutual respect and understanding. We provide opportunities to make new friendships, enrich our lives through multicultural perspectives, and contribute positively to the local community through charitable activities.

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General Principles of Conduct

All AIWC members, including members of the Board of Trustees, are expected to conduct themselves lawfully, honestly, ethically, and in the best interests of AIWC at all times.This Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behaviour expected from all members participating in AIWC activities, events, committees, communications, and social platforms. Members who are uncertain whether their conduct, or that of another member, complies with this Code should consult the Board of Trustees.The Board of Trustees reserves the right to amend, supplement, or update this Code as necessary. The following outlines the AIWC Code of Conduct:

1.      Respectful Communication

AIWC strives to provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all members, recognising the diverse cultural, national, and professional backgrounds represented within the Club.

Members must ensure that all communications, whether verbal, written, electronic, or through social media, are:

• Respectful and courteous;
• Honest and accurate;
• Free from harassment, abusive language, or personal attacks;
• Consistent with the values and reputation of AIWC.

Members must not engage in:

• The dissemination of false or misleading information;
• Misrepresentation of facts;
• Breaches of trust;
• Defamation, slander, or malicious gossip;
• Behaviour that damages relationships within the Club or the wider community.

Violations may result in disciplinary action, including revocation of membership.

2.      Public Disclosure and Transparency

AIWC is committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability in its governance, financial affairs, and public communications.

Board members and committee members are responsible for ensuring that reports, announcements, financial records, and official communications are:

• Accurate;
• Timely;
• Fair;
• Understandable; and
• Prepared in accordance with established governance standards.

Members entrusted with organisational information must maintain the integrity and reputation of AIWC.

3.      Confidential Information

Members serving on the Board, committees, or in leadership roles may receive confidential information during the course of their duties.

Confidential information may include, but is not limited to:

• Personal information about members;
• Internal discussions and deliberations;
• Event planning and contractual arrangements;
• Member concerns and complaints;
• Board and committee discussions.

Members must not disclose confidential information without proper authorisation.

Improper disclosure of confidential information may damage the reputation of AIWC, its members, and its community relationships and may result in disciplinary action.

4.      Protection of Member Data

All members must treat personal information belonging to other members with care and confidentiality.

Member information obtained through AIWC directories, group communications, databases, mailing lists, or events:

• Must only be used for legitimate AIWC-related purposes;
• Must not be shared without consent;
• Must not be used for unsolicited commercial promotion or marketing.

Personal data shall be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.

5.      Financial Integrity and Responsibility

Members entrusted with financial responsibilities must exercise sound judgement and maintain the highest standards of integrity.

Those handling AIWC funds or resources must:

• Maintain accurate financial records;
• Submit complete and timely reports;
• Follow approved financial processes and controls;
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Misuse or misrepresentation of AIWC funds or resources may result in disciplinary action and legal consequences where appropriate.

6.      Conflicts of Interest

Members must act in the best interests of AIWC and avoid situations where personal, professional, or financial interests conflict with the interests of the Club.

Potential conflicts may include:

• Personal relationships with sponsors or business partners;
• Ownership or investment interests;
• Service on external boards;
• Personal business promotion;
• Relationships that may influence objective decision-making.

Members must promptly disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest to the Board.

The guiding principle is:

“Disclose and Abstain.”

Where a conflict exists, the member must refrain from participating in related discussions, decisions, or voting unless specifically requested to provide factual information.

Failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in disciplinary action.

7.      Marketing, Promotions and Club Platforms

AIWC is a non-profit organisation. Its meetings, activities, communication platforms, and resources exist primarily for member engagement, cultural exchange, friendship, support, and charitable purposes.

Members must not use AIWC platforms primarily for commercial gain.

7.1      Coffee Morning Presentations

AIWC encourages knowledge sharing and may provide opportunities for members or non-member to deliver presentations during Club events.

Presentation topics should:

• Address member interests, needs, or concerns;
• Be educational, informative, or entertaining;
• Be non-commercial and non-promotional in nature.

All presentation topics and materials must receive prior Board approval.

The Board may, at its discretion, also may invite external presenters where a topic is considered to be of significant interest to members.

Non-member presentations with a commercial element may only be conducted with prior Board approval and in accordance with any promotional package or fee structure approved by the Board.

Limited reimbursement for travel costs or speaker expenses may be approved where appropriate.

7.2      AIWC WhatsApp Groups and Communication Channels

AIWC communication platforms are intended for information sharing and ommunity engagement.

Members must not:

• Post general advertising or sales messages;
• Promote businesses or services for personal gain;
• Promote businesses on behalf of third parties;
• Circumvent these restrictions by arranging posts through other members.

Members may share:

• Community information;
• Cultural events;
• Charitable activities;
• Educational opportunities;
• Free public events.

Information about commercial services, events, or promotions may only be shared with prior Board approval.

7.3      Member Promotion Opportunities

The Board may periodically provide limited opportunities for members to introduce their businesses, skills, services, hobbies, or special projects.

Such opportunities shall:

• Be announced in advance;
• Be subject to time and frequency limits;
• Be brief and informative;
• Avoid excessive or repetitive promotion.

Interested members should conduct further discussions privately outside AIWC communication channels.

7.4      Buy-Swap-Sell Group

The AIWC Buy-Swap-Sell Group exists primarily to allow members to buy, sell, swap, or give away personal items.

Members are expected to:

• Post only items belonging to themselves;
• Offer items at reasonable prices;
• Avoid aggressive sales practices;
• Limit reposting of the same item.

Members may only offer items that belong to them and must not routinely sell items on behalf of non-members or third parties.

Commercial trading and business inventory sales are not permitted.

Exceptions may be approved by the Board where there is a clear benefit to the membership community.

The Board reserves the right to remove inappropriate content or close the group if necessary.

7.5      External Commercial Presentations and Advertising

AIWC may, at its discretion, allow a limited number of presentations, advertisements, or promotional activities by non-members.

Such participation shall:

• Be approved by the Board;
• Be relevant to member interests;
• Be primarily informative and educational;
• Comply with any approved sponsorship or promotional package arrangements.

The Board reserves the right to refuse any proposal that may conflict with AIWC’s values, reputation, or non-profit status.

8.        Compliance with Laws

All members are expected to comply with the laws, regulations, and requirements applicable in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Members who are uncertain regarding legal obligations should seek guidance from the Board or an appropriate professional adviser.

9.        Harassment, Discrimination and Bullying

AIWC is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, threats, or retaliation are not tolerated.

This includes conduct based on:

• Nationality;
• Race or ethnic origin;
• Religion or belief;
• Age;
• Disability;
• Marital status;
• Sexual orientation;
• Gender;
• Any other protected characteristic.

Members who experience or witness inappropriate conduct are encouraged to submit a written complaint to the Board for review.

10.      Reporting Concerns and Violations

Members who become aware of a potential violation of this Code, AIWC policies, or applicable laws should report the matter promptly to the Board of Trustees.Reports may be made confidentially or anonymously where appropriate.

AIWC will:

• Investigate reports in good faith;
• Respect confidentiality where possible;
• Protect individuals reporting concerns from retaliation.

Members are expected to cooperate fully with any investigation and should not conduct their own independent investigations.

11.      Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action determined by the Board of Trustees.

Depending on the seriousness of the matter, disciplinary measures may include:

• Informal counselling;
• Written warning;
• Removal from leadership or committee positions;
• Suspension of participation privileges;
• Suspension of membership;
• Revocation or non-renewal of membership.

Where laws may have been violated, AIWC will cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities.

Final Provision

As a legally registered non-governmental organisation, the Almaty International Women’s Club reserves the right to suspend, revoke, or decline renewal of membership where a member’s conduct is inconsistent with this Code of Conduct or the values and objectives of AIWC.

This Code of Conduct shall be reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees and may be revised as necessary to ensure its ongoing relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with the evolving needs of AIWC and its members.rity vote.