The International Federation of Business and Professional
Women (BPW International), founded in 1930 by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, is one
of the most influential networks of business and professional women in the
world. With affiliates in over 100 countries across five continents, its
members include influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners,
executives, professionals and young business and professional women.
With its central aim being to unite business and
professional women across the globe, BPW International actively works to create
economic independence for women and to provide equal opportunity and
representation in economic, civil and political life. The organization also
encourages and supports women in their quest to develop their professional and
leadership potential; undertake lifelong education and training and to use
their abilities for the benefit of others, locally, nationally and internationally.
BPW International also advocates for the elimination of all
discrimination against women as well as for human rights and the use of
gender-sensitive perspectives. In addition, BPW International promotes
worldwide networking and cooperation between business and professional women
and generates non-profit projects that help women to gain economic independence
to present the views of business and professional women to international
organisations and agencies, and to business, governments and civil society.
For the period spanning 2017-2020, the organisation’s
International Theme is:
“Empowering Women to Realise the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).”