BPW International

The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women cordially invite you to attend our Annual Conference and Awards Dinner. We hope you will be able to come, we really look forward to seeing you.
Please contact me for registration details and accommodation options.

Christina Turner
Executive Secretary BPWNZ

BPW Lusaka, Zambia, in collaboration with the Young BPW Zambia, held a colourful year-end luncheon on Sunday  December 18,  2011 under the theme ‘Celebrating Women Who Rock With Brains’ to honour the achievements, awards and successes that women had attained in various endeavours, particularly in 2011.   
The initiative to host the luncheon was based on the need to recognise and celebrate the academic achievement of Dr. Emily Sikazwe, a Trustee of BPW Zambia, on being conferred with an honorary degree in the Doctors of Laws honoris causa by St Francis Xavier University, Canada for her work in the area of gender, gender equality and human rights.   
BPW Zambia seized the occasion to celebrate to honour women that have made a contribution to the Zambian society, and to celebrate the academic achievements of young women in higher institutions of learning.  Dr. Emily Sikazwe and thirteen other women  were honoured for their successes in various fields of endeavour
For BPW Zambia, the event also marked the culmination of an important project that it undertook during the last quarter of 2011 on behalf of Africa Women’s Development & Communication Network (FEMNET) to facilitate lobby and advocacy activities on a project titled ‘Promoting African Women’s Economic Empowerment through Gender – Responsive Trade Agreements’ undertaken in five countries namely  Egypt, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia.

BPW New Zealand (BPW NZ), UN Women and the Human Rights Commission officially launched 'Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs)' at Government House, Wellington on February 13, 2012. Dr Judy McGregor Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner's (EEOC) representative David Rutherford  was present.
Nine companies/corporations signed up prior to the launch and specific awards were presented  at the evening’s event, including guest speaker Michael Barnett, of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and EEOC Trust. BPW NZ  now have an additional two major corporations signed up with WEP's and now eleven companies are committed to WEPs. BPW NZ is well on its way to achieving twenty companies.

The next BPW NZ program is to hold a roundtable breakfast meeting in Auckland on March 28, and in Wellington,  March 29. A discussion panel will be held on Sunday April 29, as part of the BPW NZ Conference program with one signatory company being invited to present a case study. 

Carolyn Savage

President of BPW NZ

While BPW Austria want to maintain the achieved standards, it will focus BPW work on communication: Founding member Austria will act as a hub for internal and external stakeholders. Not only will we strengthen our members to forward their own goals  but also introducing to them the opportunities within the global BPW Network. Furthermore BPW Austria is looking for interesting, creative women and inviting them to join the network in Austria and internationally.

Discover the BPW Austria new board !

Heidrun Matthaus
President BPW Austria

Each affiliate must provide current executive information for the roster

When  an affiliate club has their Annual General Meeting (AGM), it is important to provide member services with the New executive information.

In the past, members have been asked to update the roster, however, to better serve our members, Member Services will provide this service.
Please be sure to send all new executive names and contact information, office information and updated  member numbers to member.services@bpw-international.org.

Michelle Miller
Director, Member Services

Who is Alicia Curtis?

Alicia Curtishas been a member of BPW since 2005.  In this time, she has served as State Development Coordinator where she wrote and launched the Keys to Achievement Program (now being implemented in BPW Federations around the world).  She also co-established the first National Young BPW Board in Australia, accepting the BPW International Empower to Youth Award as BPW Australia Ambassador at the BPW Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Korea.   She held the position of National Young BPW Director from 2007 – 2010 where she created a number of Youtube video about BPW by interviewing members.  These videos have been seen by thousands of people from around the world.  

Professionally, Alicia is a successful leadership speaker and trainer, starting her business at 18 years old.  She was elected the youngest State President of her industry association, the National Speakers Association in Australia in 2010.  Alicia has recently launched a new blog called Revolutionary Lives (www.revolutionarylives.com) where she writes about what it takes to be a revolutionary in today’s society. 

Dear Presidents, dear members,

We are happy to invite you and all our members and guests to the XIV European Congress in Sorrrento, Italy, 28 – 30 September 2012!  We kindly ask you to forward this information to your members and to promote it on your websites.

The topic of the Congress is: “Empowering Women for Leadership – Womens’ Innovation for a sustainable future".

All information about speakers will be added step by step. There will be workshops on the tracks Leadership, Entrepreneurs, Innovation and Sustainability, Lifelong Learning, Political Awareness and European Identity.

Registration

You can now register online on the special webpage for the congress at www.bpw-italy.org.
On this page you find  all relevant information for the congress. Please consider the early booking rates until 20th May. This is due to the agreement with the hotel.

Location

The location of the Congress is Hilton Sorrento Palace.

We recommend to book directly at the Hilton as we have agreed special rates for you on a special page for our congress.

If you book your room at the Hilton until 20th May, you can win one night for free!
Please consider that in September it is high season in Sorrento. Therefore book the accommodation as early as possible.

Transfer

When you arrive by plane in Naples, just take the public bus in front of the airport (only 10 EUR) and enjoy the wonderful sight at the coast during your transfer to Sorrento.
You will see in the program that we also included a tour by bus to Positano on Sunday afternoon, so you can also enjoy the picturesque Amalfi coast when coming to the congress.

Young BPW Congress

At the same time the International Young BPW congress will be held. Registration for this congress will be opened soon on the website of BPW International. Program and costs will be different. Therefore please inform your Young BPW about this.

Video of Sorrento

If you want to have a look at the location of Sorrento, please watch the video.

We are looking forward to meet you and your members at this wonderful location for our congress.

Best regards
Sabine Schmelzer

BPW Internations Regional Coordinator Europe

Visit Annual Leader's Summit Event Page here

Download Final Program here

The BPW Netherlands Federation led by President Samira Bouchibti, held a successful event on the  January 30 entitled Capital Bridging. The principal theme women’s talent and ambition was divided into two parts:
1. A panel debate coordinated by the BPW Netherlands President with well-known names such as Andre van Es, Alderman for Work, Income and Participation- Amsterdam City Council,  Marja Ruigrok City Councillor Amsterdam - Business and Marketing Research, Agnes Jongerius Chairperson FNV (the largest Trade Union in The Netherlands) and Klaar Meekhof, Commissioner of Financial Services and Past President of BPW Netherlands 1997-2001 and,
2.  A mini-master class with Callista Roelofs presenting her own people management method “Waanbreken”

The evening was well attended and recruited some new members.


The speakers of the evening from left to right: Andre van Es, Alderman for Work, Income and Participation- Amsterdam City Council,  Marja Ruigrok, City Councillor Amsterdam - Business and Marketing Research, Agnes Jongerius, Chairperson FNV (the largest Trade Uion in The Netherlands) and Klaar Meekhof, Commissioner of Financial Services and Past President of the BPW Netherlands 1997-2001.

Willy van Iersel-Jones
International Affairs, BPW Netherlands

Cérémonie des Bougies

[text in english]

Le 5 février 2012 les membres du BPW de Port-au-Prince, Haïti, se sont réunies pour célébrer la fête de La Chandeleur.
Une trentaine de personnes y compris les membres et leurs invitées, étaient présentes pour cette fête de partage, de  solidarité et d’amour. La séance a eu lieu aux  environs de 11heures chez la Présidente Mme Marie Andrée Etienne.

La séance débuta avec la lecture de la carte envoyée par Mme Agathe Volcy, membre amie  du Club qui, pour des raisons de santé, n’a pas pu se rendre à la Célébration et qui gracieusement nous a envoyé un chèque pour aider le Club. Puis la présidente souhaita la bienvenue aux membres et continua avec la prière internationale suivie de l’hymne du Club. Ensuite elle procéda à  la lecture du message envoyé par la Présidente de la Fédération Internationale Mme Freda  Miriklis dont  le thème pour ce triennal est :   «  FEMMES AUTONOMISÉES  Á LA TÊTE DES AFFAIRES», thème qui doit nous servir de  modèle pour savoir où nous voulons être en tant que « FEMMES AUTONOMISÉES » et responsables.

Chacune voulait avoir une copie de ce message fort et si important pour les Femmes du monde entier. Ce qui fut fait tout de suite par Marie Andrée. La première conseillère et ancienne présidente  Mme Marie Carmel Lafontant est intervenue pour nous apprendre qu’au Ministère à la Condition Féminine, ce même thème d’autonomisation des femmes est retenu  à l’occasion d’un forum qui sera organisé dans quelques jours : « AUTOMISATION DE LA FEMME POUR LA RECONSTRUCTION NATIONALE ».

La présidente nous expliqua la signification des différentes bougies. La plus grande bougie blanche, représentant celle de la Fédération Internationale fut allumée par la présidente Marie Andrée Etienne, la seconde représente les Etats-Unis, premier pays membre fondateur, fut allumée par  la Vice Présidente  Gérarda GERMANA. Les autres bougies blanches représentant les autres membres fondateurs et les bougies bleues des Clubs affiliés furent allumées par les autres membres du comité. Les deux bougies restantes, celle de l’espoir et celle de la Tunisie, membre Individuel, ont toutes les deux été allumées par deux jeunes membres du Young BPW mettant ainsi fin à cette cérémonie des bougies.

Nous avons aussi parlé de la reprise  des « Classes du Week-end »  qui par le passé avaient connu un grand succès au sein du Club. Des cours de savoir-vivre, d’hôtellerie, de restauration et de culture générale seront dispensés aux jeunes filles pour leur permettre d’avoir un métier pouvant les aider sur le marché de l’emploi.
Nous avons terminé en prenant une collation et en dégustant un gâteau en l’honneur de toutes celles nées en janvier et en février.

Marie Andrée M. Etienne                                                                     Nathalie Bazile
President of BPW                                                                      Assistant Secretary                                                                             

Candle Lighting Ceremony

On February 5, 2012 members of BPW Port-au-Prince, Haiti gathered to celebrate the feast of Candle Lighting.
About thirty people including members and their guests were present for this celebration of sharing, solidarity and love. The session took place around 11hres am at the president’s home.

The session began with the reading of the card sent by Mrs. Agatha Volcy, friend member of the Club who, for health reasons, was unable to attend the celebration and who graciously sent us a check to help the Club. Then the President welcomed the members and continued with the international prayer followed by the anthem of the club. Then she went on reading the message sent by the President of the International Federation Mrs. Freda Miriklis. The theme for this triennium is "Empowered Women Leading BUSINESS", a theme that should be our model for where we want to be as "WOMEN empowered" and accountable.

Every member wanted to have a copy of this powerful and important message for women worldwide. This was done immediately by Marie Andrée. First Counselor and past president Mrs. Marie Carmel Lafontant stepped in to tell us that the Ministry for Women's Affairs has kept this same theme of empowerment of women and on this occasion a forum will be held in a few days « AUTOMISATION DE LA FEMME POUR LA RECONSTRUCTION NATIONALE ».

The President explained to us the meaning of the various candles and their representations: The biggest white candle, representing the International Federation was lit by President Marie Andrée Etienne, the second represents the United States, the first founding member was lit by the Vice President Gérarda Germana. The other white candles representing the other founding members and affiliated clubs of blue candles were lit by other members of the committee.
The remaining two candles, one of hope and the other for Tunisia, Individual Member, have been ignited by two young members of the Young BPW thus ending the candle lighting ceremony.

We also spoke of "Weekend Classes" which, in the past, had been very successful in the Club. Courses in savoir vivre, hotellerie, restoration and general culture will be provided to girls to enable them to have a business that can help on the job market. We   ended the matinee by taking a snack and sharing a cake in honor of all those members born in January and February.

Marie Andrée M. Etienne                                                                     Nathalie Bazile
President of BPW                                                                      Assistant Secretary                                                                              

BPW Japan is pleased to announce that we selected three projects for the Recovery Support Grant, “Job generating grant by women, for women.”

The grant aims to provide support to working women in the severely damaged areas by the 3.11 earthquakes and tsunami last year.  Seven projects in the affected area applied to the Grant with the conditions:
1) be organized by women;
2) have a clear future plan to promote women’s employment and revitalization of good community.  BPW selection committee members selected three of them, through site visits and interviews.  Selected groups are all small-sized enterprises which were badly destroyed by tsunami, and everything was washed away.  However, they were well motivated to rebuild their business.  If finance allowed, they would have done more.  

All selected groups expressed their plan that they will increase the employment of women in the area.


On January 8th, 2012, at the Sendai Citizens Activity Support Center, BPW Japan held a ceremony to present the 1st Recovery Support Grant, JPY 300,000 (USD 400,000)/group, to the following three enterprises.  A local major TV station, Miya-Tele, televised the presentation in their evening news.  

Keitono Oppai Project (Hand-knitted-breast -a training tool for midwife- Project for the elder's income generation) in Kesen-numa, Miyagi Prefecture.

Chiba Nori-ten (Chiba Sisters’ Seaweed Manufacturer) in Minami-sanriku, Miyagi Prefecture

Marine Mothers Kirikiri (Fishery processing / Fisher’s restaurant) in Otsuchicyo, Iwate Prefecture)

We greatly appreciate generous supports from BPW sisters which made this grant program possible.  BPW Japan will continue its fundraising efforts, so that we will be able to present the Recovery Support Grant to more women in the area.  We hope that the Grant will contribute to the promotion of women’s economic independence in the disaster area.

Mildred Espinoza, General Manager/Correspondant at South-South News, New-York City

Who is Mildred Espinoza ?

Mildred Espinoza is a two time Emmy-Award Winning Television Executive and the General Manager/Correspondent at South-South News. She is the recipient of a Silver Medal from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation presented to her by the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations Correspondent’s Association Ceremony. This award recognized her coverage on Climate Change – “Sustainable Tourism” in Roatán, Honduras.

Arzu Ozyol, President of BPW Turkey, prepared a report to share the knowledge with BPW Members about the importance of women in food security and nutrition, as discussed on the World Food Day, at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, on October 17, 2011.

BPW Estonia was established on November 11, 1992 and every year on November 11 BPW Estonia  celebrates its birthday. Since our first birthday we have nominated the title Woman of the Year and Award to a successful and enterprising woman who has influenced our lives and the whole society. The Birthday Gala and Award ceremony traditionally takes place in the ancient Town Hall of Tallinn. The Mayor of Tallinn participated to congratulate the Woman of the Year. This year the Award was given for the 19th time.

BPW Estonia has become well-known in Estonian society by nominating the Women of the Year.

Woman of the Year 2011 is Tea Varrak. She was the Chairperson of the Commission of Estonian Government organizing the EURO integration. Tea Varrak has also been the initiator and achiever of many interesting undertakings - first Estonian private business school Mainor, one of the founders of Fontes private school, Chairperson of Board of Enterprise Estonia.

Last year BPW-Estonia was proud to name the Woman of the Year 2010 Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, who is a worldwide known cross-country skier and two times gold medalist of the Olympic Games.

This year for the first time on the initiative of Young BPW Estonia we nominated the Young Woman – Entrepreneur. The award went to a successful young woman - Eva-Maria Õunapuu, who is the founder of company JOIK. Joik OÜ is producing scented candles and SPA cosmetics. Eva-Maria is a perfect example of a young enterprising woman. She started to make scented candles by hand because she could not find candles with the perfumes she loved on sale. Then she started sell the candles she made to shops. Step by step her business started to grow and she put new brands in production. Now Eva-Maria and OÜ Joik have their own production rooms, however, the production of candles and SPA cosmetics are made by hand because it gives a special significance to the products.

The nomination criteria of the Young Woman – Entrepreneur is age under 40, establishing and running her own company for at least 3-4 years, the company has to be  outstanding in its sector (industry/service/trade), the product/service has found a market niche and has been accredited by other participants of the same branch of the market.

On the magic date 11/11/11 BPW Baltic-Scandic international seminar with the presence of BPW Estonia, BPW Sweden, BPW Finland and BPW Latvia was held in Tallinn Estonia. The theme of the seminar was 'Enterprisingness in the changing world. With new ideas and new experiences into the year 2012'.

The keynote speaker was BPW Past President Ms Tuulikki Juusela from Finland who focused on the advantages of the Women Empowerment Principles (WEP) how to develop and promote ones organization implementing WEPs.

It's really useful and inspiring to strengthen contacts and share experience between BPW sisters from other countries. 
Anu Viks BPW Estonia Board Member

Discover the full program | Do register !

Who is Mai Dang-Goy?

Mai is Managing Director at Dussmann Beteiligungs- und Managementgesellschaft mbH. She studied construction engineering at FH Kaiserslautern. At Dussmann she is responsible for the project management. As project manager she leads multi-projects all over Germany. In this position she is also responsible for 1,800 employees.
In 2010 the Deutsche Ingenieurinnen Bund (German organization of female engineers) elected Mai as one of the 25 most influential female engineers in Germany.

From 2008 - 2010 Mai has been President of BPW Germany Club Munich e. V. During her presidency she invented project management trainings and managed  project teams across several organizations for the Equal Pay Day. Actual she is member of the German Task Force Life Long Learning with focus on project management.

BPW Germany: Join the "Berlin Declaration" call for gender quotas in economic decision-making!

http://www.womenlobby.org/spip.php?article2811

Who is Sabine Kone Dossongui ?

Sabine Kone Dossongui, the current Vice-President, BPW Abidjan-RCI, Côte d’Ivoire, has been married for over 30 years to a very supportive husband, Bernard Kone Dossongui and despite her busy schedule, has managed to balance her professional, social, as well as family life effectively. She grew up in a modest but large happy family from which she imbibed a rich spiritual quality and a readiness to be of service to others. This latter quality came to the fore when at the International Congress in Helsinki, she donated the proceeds of the sale of the gold wrist-watch she won from the Young BPW raffle draw at the Gala night to the children of Japan.

Read this message also in Spanish, French, Italian

Dear  BPW Presidents and Members Worldwide,

At this special time of the year we enjoy the opportunity to reflect on our families, friends and associates.

It is with this in mind that on behalf of myself, the Executive Board and staff that I extend to all our members around the world our thoughts for a very happy holiday season and all the very best wishes for a successful and prosperous New Year!

May you and your families and loved ones be blessed with the wonderful spirit of the Season.

Merry Christmas!

Freda Miriklis, President

BPW International  2011-2014

En esta época del año nos gusta tener la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre nuestras familias, amigos y asociados:

¡Es con esto en mente, que en nombre mío y de la Junta Ejecutiva envío a todas nuestras socias en todo el mundo nuestros deseos para que tengan unas muy felices fiestas y todo lo mejor para un exitoso y próspero Año Nuevo!

Espero que ustedes, sus familias y seres queridos sean bendecidos con el maravilloso espíritu de las fiestas.

Feliz  Navidad!

Freda Miriklis, Presidente

BPW International  2011-2014

Chères Présidentes et membres dans le monde,

À cette période de l’année, nous apprécions la possibilité de réfléchir sur nos familles, nos amis et associés.

C’est dans cet esprit que, en mon nom et celui du Conseil Exécutif, j’adresse à tous nos membres à travers le monde, nos pensées pour un très Joyeux Noël et nos meilleurs voeux de succès et prospérité pour la nouvelle année!!

Soyez bénis, vous et vos proches avec le merveilleux esprit de Noël.

Joyeux Noël!

Freda Miriklis, Présidente

BPW International  2011-2014

Care Presidenti, care Socie di tutto il mondo,

In questo speciale periodo dell’anno tutti noi abbiamo l’opportunità di riflettere sulle nostre famiglie, gli amici e le associate.

E’ pensando a questo che da parte mia e del Board Esecutivo estendo a tutte le socie del mondo i nostri pensieri per le festività e tantissimi auguri per un felice e prospero Anno Nuovo!

Il meraviglioso spirito di questa Stagione possa portare la sua benedizione su voi, le vostre famiglie ed i vostri cari.

Buon Natale!

Freda Miriklis, Presidente

BPW International 2011-2014

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Award is a social entrepreneurship competition aimed at creative, financially sustainable and responsible women-led start-ups, in all countries and industries.

Created in 2006 by Cartier in partnership with the Women’s Forum, INSEAD business school and McKinsey & Co., the Awards will be given this year to six Laureates in the following categories: Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa, North America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Award will be given to six laureates who will receive a year of coaching, US$20,000 in funding, valuable networking opportunities as well as media exposure. The final stage of the competition, consisting in a presentation in front of an international Jury, will take place in France during the Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum.

Entrepreneurs are invited to submit a short business plan using the online application form. The projects must be between one and three years old. Applications will be accepted until March 13, 2012.

Information and the application form of the Cartier Women's Initiative Award

The general assembly of the BPW Switzerland elected Monique Ryser as President, on November 5 in Bern. Monique Ryser operates a communication company in Bern, Monique is a journalist, specialising in politics. Since 2009 as a BPW committee member, she organized the Equal Pay Day task force of Switzerland. Monique was formaly President of BPW Club Thun and later Vice-President of BPW Switzerland.

Sabine Schmelzer, Immediate Past President BPW Switzerland and BPW Regional Coordinator Europe (left), and Monique Ryser, President BPW Switzerland (right).

The 6th BPW Danube Net Forum took place in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade in November 11-13, 2011. Women from 5 of the Danube Net countries participated in this event: Austria, Croatia, Germany, Rumania and Serbia. Together with guests from Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia. At the opening ceremony there were speakers from the European Economic and Social Committee, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and BPW.

Workshops were held in the afternoon on entrepreneurship, networking and other topics of interest. The highlight of this event was the fair “Economica” where women presented their ventures and products at their stands. The creation of other business opportunities were encouraged by special B2B meetings in small groups and direct personal discussions. At the gala dinner the delegation from Croatia surprised everyone with their special historic costumes which they created by themselves according to historic women.
At the close coordinators of the Danube countries announced the next Danube Net Forum 2012 in Vienna.

Sabine Schmelzer
BPW Regional Coordinator Europe

The Second International Forum on Women Entrepreneurship was held on 2nd and 3rd December 2011 at the Sheraton hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. Co-organisers of the event were: the Bulgarian Association of Women Entrepreneurs, BPW Sofia, the Bulgarian Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism, the Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Forum was officially opened by Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Mr. Traycho Traykov, Executive Director of the Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Mrs. Mariana Velkova and President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov. Embassadors of many countries were also present.

All participants are satisfied with their participation and will participate in the forum again. Read the decisions of the Forum.

The third International Forum on women entrepreneurship will be held on 23rd and 24th November 2012 at the Sheraton hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. Women entrepreneurs from the Balkan countries will participate actively in it by the Council on Women Entrepreneurship to the Association of the Balkan countries. We hope that representatives of the Danube network of BPW, BPW - International and other international organisations will also be present.


Dipl. Eng. Radka Stamenova
Member of the Executive Board of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry President of BAWE, President of BPW Sofia

Who is Haifa Najjar ?

Haifa Najjar, member of the Upper House of the Jordan Parliament and the Superintendent of the Ahliyyah School for Girls and the Bishop’s School for Boys, is an eminent figure in the field of education in Jordan and internationally. She holds a Masters degree in Transformation Management. She curently presides the BPW Amman.

English Version

Dear BPW Affiliate,

We are pleased to inform you that we are conducting a survey to gather our member's views on the effectiveness of the various methods we use to communicate with our affiliates. The results will help us to conduct our communication in a more effective and productive way. I would be grateful if you could please take a moment to participate and share your feedback. The deadline is December 18th, 2011. Click here to start http://bit.ly/tHmjTp

I would also appreciate your help in disseminating this survey among your clubs and members.  The more members that participate, the better results we will get.

To do that, please just forward this e-mail on to your various BPW contacts.

 Thank you in advance. Please contact Anneli Majuri, Director of Public Relations and Communications, anneli.majuri@bpw-international.org, if you have any questions.

French Version

Chères filiales BPW,

Nous avons le plaisir de vous informer que nous réalisons une enquête pour recueillir le point de vue de nos membres sur l’efficacité des différentes méthodes que nous utilisons pour communiquer avec nos filiales.  Les résultats vont nous permettre de mener notre communication d’une manière plus effective et productive.

Je vous saurais gré de bien vouloir prendre un moment pour participer et partager votre  feedback. La date limite est le 18 décembre, 2011. Veuillez cliquer sur le lien à continuation pour commencer http://bit.ly/tHmjTp

J’apprécierais également votre aide dans la diffusion de cette enquête parmi vos clubs et vos membres.  Plus il y aura de membres qui participent, meilleur sera le résultat que nous obtiendrons. Pour ce faire, il suffit de renvoyer ce mail à vos divers contacts BPW.

Merci d’avance. Si vous avez des questions, veuillez contacter Anneli Majuri, Directrice de Relations Publiques et Communications, anneli.majuri@bpw-international.org,

Italian Version

Care Affiliate BPW,

abbiamo il piacere di informarvi che stiamo conducendo un'inchiesta per raccogliere le opinioni delle nostre socie sulla validità dei vari metodi che usiamo per comunicare con le nostre Affiliate. I risultati ci aiuteranno a comunicare in maniera più efficace e produttiva.

Vi saremmo grate se poteste  trovare un momento per partecipare e per inviarci la vostra opinione. La data di scadenza è stata fissata al 18 dicembre 2011. Premi qui per iniziare http://bit.ly/tHmjTp

Vi prego di comunicare questa inchiesta ai vostri clubs e socie. Più persone partecipano, migliori risultati avremo.

Per far ciò vi preghiamo di inoltrare questa e-mail ai vostri contatti BPW.

Grazie in anticipo. Se avete delle domande per favore contattate Anneli Majuri Direttrice per le Pubbliche Relazioni e Comunicazioni anneli.majuri@bpw-international.org

Spanish Version

Estimadas filiales BPW :

Tengo el placer de informarles que estamos realizando una encuesta para recoger la opinión de nuestras socias sobre la eficacia de los diferentes métodos que utilizamos para comunicar con nuestras filiales. Los resultados van a permitirnos administrar nuestra comunicación de manera más efectiva y productiva.

Apreciaría que se sirvan tomarse un momento para participar y compartir su retroalimentación. La fecha límite es el 18 de diciembre de 2011. Sírvanse hacer un click sobre el enlace siguiente para comenzar http://bit.ly/tHmjTp

Apreciaría también su ayuda en la difusión de esta encuesta entre sus clubes y socias. Mientras más socias participen, mejores serán los resultados que obtengamos. Para hacerlo, sólo reenvíen este mensaje a sus diversos contactos BPW.

Gracias de antemano. Si tienen alguna pregunta, sírvanse contactar Anneli Majuri, Directora de Relaciones Públicas y Comunicaciones, anneli.majuri@bpw-international.org,

Join us for the BPW International Annual Leaders Summit to be held in New York City, 24-25 February 2012, in conjunction with the 56th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW56, Feb 27- Mar 9, 2012) held in the beautiful private Princeton Club at # 15 - 43rd Street. BPW International Annual Leader's Summit

Find the 200 latest news published in the BPW International website !

Wow, can you believe it? Every 14 seconds a child under the age  of 5 dies from diarrhea. Another incomprehensible figure: 2.6 billion  people do not have access to proper sanitation. But you can do something  about that!
Be TOILET LADY for a day!

Collect a few cents (or  more) for every time you or your family members go to the bathroom.  Donate the proceeds of the day to Women for Water. It is a partnership of  women's organizations worldwide that work together in order to ensure  safe drinking water, proper sanitation and higher hygienic standards,  especially in the developing world. Great cause, don't you agree? So.  pull an old saucer from your kitchen cupboard, put it somewhere near  the bathroom and. start collecting coins!
Oh, and please make sure  you spread the word. Via Twitter, Facebook, Linked-in,  Email, SMS. whatever. Including the blog address www.toiletlady.org would  also be a good thing. Thanks for your efforts!
Just imagine the  amount of 'lavatory attendants' in homes all over the world by tomorrow.
Are you a real life lavatory attendant or janitor, or are you in  the hotel or catering industry? Great! You probably have pole position  then for raising money for Women for Water. Having an office job  shouldn't deter you from joining in, though.

Best  regards,

Lesha Witmer
Women for water Partnership, A 'toilet  lady', 19th November  2011

P.S. November 19th is World Toilet Day (no really, just Google  it), THE opportunity to become 'toilet lady' for a day. Go to  www.toiletlady.org, download the little document for people visiting the  bathroom and you are good to go. By the way, the blog also tells you how  to donate the proceeds of your efforts or directly. And you can  respond to posts. Will you let me know if you join me and my fellow  'toilet ladies'?  Great!

Women and the Economy is a hot topic evidenced at the recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in San Francisco. Clearly BPW International is on track with theWomen’s Empowerment Principles (WEP's) initiative, the ” Women in the Global Supply Chain” initiative and the president’s theme for this triennium:  “Empowered Women Leading Business”. High Level Policy Dialogue on Women and the Economy San Francisco, California September 16, 2011 : Final Declaration

See relevant videos on this topic :
APEC Women and the Economy Opening Video
 

Secretary Clinton Delivers Keynote Remarks at the Women and the Economy Summit

                   
Liz Benham
BPW International Immediate Past President

Who is Lucia Votano ?

Born in Calabria, Italy, since September 2009 Lucia Votano is currently Director of INFN Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), the largest underground facility for astroparticle physics in the world. She is member of the BPW Roma.

• She graduated with summa cum laude in Physics at University 'La Sapienza' (Roma) in 1971.
• She became staff research scientist at ENEA Frascati Laboratory in 1975, and at INFN Frascati National Laboratory (LNF) in 1976.
• She was appointed as Senior Researcher in 1988 and as Research Director of Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN) in 2000.
• In 1977 she was designated LNF coordinator in INFN GR II Scientific Committee. In 1997 she was appointed head of LNF Scientific Information Service. From 1999 through 2004 she was Director of LNF Research Division. She has been Professor designated of General Physics at Univ. of Urbino.
• She has been Member of ApPec Peer Review Committee and of ASPERA Roadmap Committee. She is currently member of ASPERA Scientific Advisory Committee.

Invitation to the “Cairo International Women’s Conference”, 24 – 27 April 2012 with “Cross Cultural Understanding” as a pre conference

• “Cairo International Women’s Conference” is organized by President Dr. Amany Asfour BPW Egypt, Cairo, Egypt, 25 – 27 April 2012
• Special pre conference “Cross Cultural Understanding” is organized by Dr. Amany Asfour, Dr. Antoinette Rüegg, Johanna Marius, Daniela Rigassi, Margrit Wullschleger, Cairo, Egypt, 24 April 2012

The two conferences provide an excellent further education opportunity on “CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING” for BPW beyond African and Arab countries.

Throughout the “Cairo International Women’s Conference” Arab and African women will present their projects and share their knowledge. Attentive listening and learning with personal exchange will generate true cross cultural understanding for all participants. The one-day Pre Conference on “Cross Cultural Understanding” sensitizes the mutual perception, respect and understanding that is imperative for professional active women in the global world.
Take advantage of this special opportunity and spend some days at a realistic cost in a splendid hotel close to the pyramids.

	All information on the “Cairo International Women’s Conference”, 24 – 27 April 2012
	Registration Cairo Conference 2012

We, at BPW Japan, are pleased to announce that we have recently launched a Recovery Support Grant program for working women in the areas severely damaged by the earthquakes and tsunami on March 11, 2011. The generous contributions and warm encouragements from all over the world, especially from BPW sisters and BPW Japan’s fundraising efforts, have made this grant program possible.

About eight months have passed since the disaster. As of November 14, the death toll is 15,838 and missing people are estimated 3,647, and many are still living far from their hometowns. Much of the rubble have been removed, and people continue to work tirelessly for the recovery. However, many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead before full restoration.

The Recovery Support Grant, “Job generating grant for women, by women” provides small grants to the enterprises and/or women groups in the affected area. Applicants to the Grant should be enterprises whose business were badly damaged and forced to close their business, or those who lost their jobs by the disaster and are well motivated to rebuild or start their own business. Grantees will be selected from the public by BPW members through visits to applicants’ sites and interviews. All grantees should generate and encourage the employment of women.  

Even though the size of the grants are small, we hope that these Grants will provide support and encouragement to all the women in the area affected by the devastation, to rebuild and renew their entrepreneurship* as much as possible.

Machiko Yanagishita
Chair of Public Relations, BPW Japan

* In the rural areas of Japan, there are many women owned, community-based, small-scale licensed enterprises such as farmer’s markets, village-retaurans, or local agricultural processing plants.

Who is Geva Murano ?

I became a Member of BPW Melbourne, Australia and was elected as Finance Director of the BPW International at the Helsinki Congress in June 2011.  

After completing 2 years of an Accounting Certificate I transferred to the Associate Diploma of Business in Legal Practice at the RMIT which qualified me as a Legal Executive specialising in Property Conveyancing. I later completed a Bachelor of Laws at The University of Melbourne.
I have worked at Gadens Lawyers in Melbourne and Russell Kennedy Lawyers in Melbourne  in their Banking and Finance Teams.My practice focused mainly on Retail and Commercial Loans. I was a member of The Law Institute of Victoria and The Victorian Women Lawyers.

I have been involved in running family restaurants businesses over ten years including keeping the accounts, staff management, dealing with suppliers , insurance, compliance with regulations, etc.

I have also worked at Legal Community Centres namely Coburg/Brunswick Community Legal Centre JobWatch

I have had a variety of positions on Committees of Management in community. Not-for-profit organisations, namely

• Banyule Support & Information Centre (Vice-President)
• Community Information Victoria
• Lions House Foundation  Fundraising Sub-Committee
• I continue to be a Member of the Committee of Management of the Eaglemont Neighbourhood Conservation Association

I have contributed to various Community Submissions and Consultation Processes namely

• Community Consultation Banyule Community Plan 2010 - 2012
• The Ivanhoe Project
• City of Banyule Parking Project
• Submission to the Planning Minister re Planning Control changes
• VEC Review of Ward Boundaries
• Submission to City of Banyule regarding relocation of BANSIC

I am a member of

• The Art Deco & Modernism Society
• The Button Collectors Club
• The Reading for Pleasure Book Group

My interests include – cinema, reading, exhibitions, travel, opera and yoga.

Geva Murano
BPW International, Finance Director 2011-2014

On Wednesday, 26 October 2011, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon held an unprecedented event at UN Headquarters in New York, when he meet with the NGO community in an open exchange of questions and views. He prefaced the session with remarks. Read the Secretary General highlights crucial role civil society organizations can play.

The main theme of the session, at which Under-Secretary General Kiyo Akasaka, Mr. Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach Division at Department of Public Information, and Mr. Navid Hanif, ECOSOC, were present was the need to hear from NGOs on every possible topic. In accordance with the statement printed below,  all the panelists reiterated the crucial role to be played by civil society on a wide range of issues, including sustainable development, disarmament, improving the status of women, maternal and child health, and other issues. The Secretary General called for active partnership between the UN, States Parties and NGOs, as well as among the NGOs, to strengthen their advocacy. NGOs asked questions, made comments, and in general participated with some enthusiasm in what we hope will be only the first in a series of exchanges with the Secretary General.

Eva Richter
BPW International UN Representative

Who is Yinka Ajibola ?

Yinka Ajibola graduated from University of Ile Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, in 1976.
Her experience over the years in senior management positions in Lever Brothers Nigeria Limited (now Unilever), Rank Xerox Nig Ltd, Continental Pharmaceutical Limited, International Paints West Africa Ltd and Afriko West Africa Limited (a photographic and graphic trading outfit),  greatly equipped her for many future assignments she subsequently carried out.

Who is Nesreen Barakat ?

Mrs. Nesreen Barakat has been involved profoundly in public service of Jordan during 2010-2011. Mrs. Barakat served as the Minister of Public Sector Development and prior to that, she was the Managing Director of the National Aid Fund, and a Council Member at the Greater Amman Municipality. During 1990-2002 she was the Director of the Competitiveness Unit at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Dear Young BPW National Representative,
Young BPW,

I am pleased to inform you that the Young BPW Europe La Spezia Cup 2011 is opened. The ceremony and award is organised on November 26 by the club of La Spezia, in Italy. You can also find all the below information on the Young BPW Europe page, under Young BPW Europe Award.

Thanks for your attention.
Kind regards
Miette Dechelle
Young BPW Europe Representative 2011-2014

RIO +20 Conference on Sustainable Development will be held on 4-6 June 2012 on the 20^th Anniversary of the  Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio De Janeiro in 1992 and the 10^th Anniversary of the Johannesburg Conferences in 2002.

This Conference will focus on 2 themes:

• Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
• The institutional framework for sustainable development

Registration for the main conference is not yet open but there are many ways for affiliates to join in the preparatory processes.

Information about future events, access to a weekly newsletter, etc.

Regional Preparatory Meetings are being held in all 5 regions:

October 19-20, Korea: Asia Pacific Region

October 16-17, Egypt: Arab Region

October 20-25, Ethiopia: Africa Region

December 1-2, Switzerland; European Region

In addition many countries are holding their own Meetings in order to consult with NGOs and affiliates should participate in these as well is inputting into the developing BPW Regional and International activity and statements.

The 3^rd Preparatory Committee Meeting for Rio+20 will be held on 28-30 May in Rio de Janeiro just before the main Conference.

BPW Cyprus is proud to announce that its nominee, Dr. Erato Kozakou Marcoullis, has been chosen to be one of the twelve women who will be portrayed in the Women Inspiring Europe 2012 Calendar of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). Dr. Kozakou Marcoulllis is currently the Foreign Minister of Cyprus. She has had a long and successful career as a Diplomat and has received a number of international distinctions.
Alexandra Galanou - BPW Cyprus President

UN Women is opening some slots for women who would like to participate in a Rio + 20 regional preparatory meeting from 17-20 October in Korea. Below are the details which, together with the form can be found on the UN Women East/ SouthEast Asia website. (information on other regional preparatory meetings)

DEADLINE 5 October 2011

In order to promote women's leadership and increased women's participation in the Rio+20 process, UN Women East and Southeast Asia Regional Office is offering financial assistance to women leaders to attend the Regional Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Seoul, Republic of South Korea, 19-20 October 2011, and the Major Groups and Stakeholders Asia-Pacific Meeting Rio+20: "The Road To Rio 2012: Charting Our Path" immediately before that on 17-18 October 2011.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be registered at the Regional Preparatory Meeting (19-20 October 2011) or the Major Groups and Stakeholders Asia-Pacific Meeting (17-18 October 2011); 2. Applicants should have experience in participating in the Major Groups meetings/activities and/or other preparatory activities in relation to Rio+20 process; 3. Applicants must have experience engaging in advocacy on gender issues in the Sustainable Development agenda in the Asia-Pacific region; 4. Applicants are currently or likely to continue to be engaged in the regional and/or global process for Rio+20; and 5. Applicants must be residing in one of the countries in East and Southeast Asia.

Financial Assistance

The scholarship will be provided to cover the following expenses:
1. Return airfare to Seoul, Republic of Korea (Economy class/ most direct route) 2. Daily allowance for no more than 3 days in Seoul 3. Airport transfer 4. Visa fees, if any If you are staying more than 3 days in Seoul, you will have to cover the additional days by yourself.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following documents to Ms. Inthira Tirangkura, UN Women East and Southeast Asia Regional Office
1. Completed Scholarship Application Form 2. CV 3. Organisation profile Application Deadline: Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 2400 Only the selected applicants will be notified after 5 October 2011.
They will also be contacted for travel arrangements by UN Women East and Southeast Asia Regional Office. They will be required to submit a brief report on the Regional Preparatory Meeting, or the Major Groups and Stakeholders Asia-Pacific Meeting, to UN Women no later than 2 weeks after the Meeting.


Information transmitted by Lesha Wittmer

Who is Karin Raguin ?

In 1996, I wrote a thesis on “Gender Equality at Work” as I was graduating from a Business School in Paris, France : It was right after the UN Beijing Platform, a time of great energy and hopes for women rights … 15 years after, we didn’t reach equal pay, and the gap is still the same !
At that time I joined BPW France for the first time. Then I served the French federation as Executive Secretary in 2008 and as President since 2010. French federation is still small but very dynamic : in 2009 we decided to focus on Equal Pay and became visible through media. We made a lot of recommendations to the French government since the law was being reinforced for gender equality at work. The Women Empowerment Principles has also been a very good opportunity for us : this year we organized a great meeting at AREVA - the first French company which signed the WEPs - for the Equal Pay Day, in April : more than 200 participants (HR Directors, politics,…) attended it. Thanks to the WEPs, to the Equal Pay day and to a wonderful team, the number of BPW France affiliates doubled from 117 in 2010 to 220 in 2011, and we created 4 new clubs !
I’d like to stress that Nicole Pelletier Perez (Past French President) and Amélie Leclercq (Past European Coordinator) provided me great support in implementing our strategy in France and managing our Executive team.