| BPW
International, as an organization, has reached
a turning point. To continue to be influential
in the 21st Century, we need to reform our
organization. The three goals of Organization
Review and Reform are for BPW International
to be recognized as
- An organization
whose members are identified with high
values.
- An organization
that continue to grow and make a difference
in the world of changes.
- A professionally
managed organization which can sustain
itself financially.
The
world is changing, so shall we. We need
to understand the present and future needs
of working women in order to expand the
network. We should do things together and
work in partnership to create global impact
and enhance BPW influence world-wide.
While
the challenges in the 21st Century are numerous,
I would like to bring your attention to
“International Migration”. Canada
received 3.2% of 191 millions migrants.
Half of all International migrants are women.
A lot of female migrants today are skilled
and highly educated women. They become “brain-gain”
for Canada as well as potential new members
for BPW. Yet, I would urge BPW Canada to
pay close attention to whether female migrants
still face discriminations; exploit working
conditions; inadequate legal protection;
limited job choices or restriction to change
employments. If so, BPW Canada can cease
this as opportunities to make a difference
by enabling them to integrate into Canada’s
society and give them better chances to
live up to their potentials.
Climate
changes and water shortage will only make
International migration progressively worse.
By 2080, water shortage could threaten 1.1
billion to 3.2 billions people. Natural
disasters can also led to sudden and unexpected
migration for hundreds of thousands people.
BPW Canada should be prepared for the inevitable.
However,
I believe that BPW Canada, together with
other BPW Affiliates world-wide, is strong
enough to face any challenges this century
may bring and come out on top!
Chonchanok
Viravan
BPW International President
5 July 2007 |
