BPW International

Liz Benham inaugurated the BPW International Claire Fulcher Dinner earlier this year which took place during the 53rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. To make the event special for Claire, the cosmetics group Napoleon Perdis, provided a gift for each of our guests. Freda had the opportunity to thank the Managing Director, Emmanuel Perdis, for the in kind sponsorship on behalf of President Liz Benham and the Executive. Read more about the night’s highlights. Mid City members and guests enjoyed an inspirational evening at the superb offices of UBS with special guest, Emmanuel Perdis, brother of cosmetics giant, Napoleon Perdis. Emmanuel’s presentation was heartfelt and members were drawn to his life experiences and strong family and business values that he lives by - he connected with the audience amazingly well.  As Managing Director of the highly successful Napoleon Perdis cosmetics business, there is clearly a culture that has manifested throughout the organisation from the top down. He encourages his female employees to dare to be different and to stand up for what they believe in; these are the hallmarks of the business and is why the business is a success story here in Australia. Members heard about the importance to be in tune with themselves and others and to leave no health symptom or concern unnoticed. Together with Ovarian Cancer Australia both organisations passionately advocate educating, empowering and instilling self-esteem in women. He has banned Disney in his home – choosing for his daughter to learn about Greek heroines and mythology that makes her believe that women are powerful and they can achieve anything they put their minds to rather than believing in the fantasy of Cinderella or sleeping beauty. The highest paid employee at NP is a female; Emmanuel is a strong supporter of the BPW Equal Pay Day Campaign. 

Emmanuel spoke off the cuff in what was a powerful presentation that every woman – in fact everybody – needs to hear. For us to be able to achieve what we all want to see in terms of equality, I don’t think that there is any better advocate than Emmanuel. In fact, having Emanuel speak at our event reinforced the fact that the world can be a better place if we have more men like him standing up and supporting women by speaking out. While we have many battles that are yet to be won, we can sleep easier knowing that we have supports like Emanuel.  He gives us hope to believe that the impossible is possible and we can be the change we want to see in the world!