BPW International & United Nations

Neelima Basnet, Nepal / UK

Dear BPW Sisters,  

As global citizens, we must stand united now more than ever. Every day, basic human rights are violated in different corners of the world, and gender equality remains an unfulfilled promise even after 95 years of IFBPW and 80 years since the founding of the United Nations.  

The numbers speak for themselves:  

- Only 27% of heads of state globally are women.  

- All 9 UN Secretary-Generals to date have been men.  

This is the reality we face but it is not the future we accept.  

To drive real change, we must actively empower our Young BPW members to become the leaders of tomorrow. This begins at every level of our organization, from clubs to federations to the international stage. Let us open every door within BPW to provide them with opportunities to grow, learn, and lead with knowledge, virtue, and unwavering confidence.  

I call on each of you to mentor, inspire, and champion our young leaders. Together, we can build a pipeline of women ready to shatter ceilings and transform the world.  

#UnitedBPW

Neelima Basnet

First Vice President, United Nations  

BPW International