| The
theme is "The Power to Make
a Difference".
We
will illustrate BPW power to make a difference
through “Decision Making”, “Action”
and “Advocacy”. This will reflect
on the congress program accordingly.
The
First way is through “Decision Making”.
This can be illustrated by identifying and
bringing recognitions to women leaders and
executives whose decisions create significant
impact to their countries and/or corporation
as well as by BPW work in making available
data on the Return on Investment when more
women become top executives.
The
Second way is through “Actions”.
This can be illustrated through BPW projects
which help other women to develop professional
and leadership potentials and empower other
women to help themselves in sustainable
ways. This includes skill training, mentoring,
micro-credit, career guidance, etc.
The
Third way is through “Advocacy”.
This can be illustrated through BPW accomplishments
in advocating for legislations / policy
to improve status of women, eliminate discrimination
against women - with reference of course,
to working women.
It's important that in moving forward, BPW
members must recognize these three elements
as the sources of BPW power, and that BPW
power is not about the money we have, nor
the positions we hold. We need to strengthen
BPW power in order to achieve our AMBITION,
which is “Equal Participation of Women
and Men in Power and Decision Making Roles”.
Merida
Congress, which will be held on 24-28 October
2008, will become a stage to give awards
to BPW Clubs and BPW members world-wide
to illustrate BPW power to make a difference.
I hope to see all of you there in 2008.
Chonchanok
Viravan
BPW International President
3 August 2006
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