About BPW International

What is BPW?

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW), known as BPW International, was founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1930.

BPW International is one of the most influential international networks of business and professional women with affiliates in over 100 countries across five regions. Its members include influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals, and young business and professional women.

Who We Are

International Theme 2024-2027

Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future

Inspirar, Innovar, Empoderar, Transformar: Juntas Forjemos un Futuro Sostenible

Inspirer, Innover, Autonomiser, Transformer: Ensemble, Nous Façonnons un Avenir Durable

Inspirare, Innovare, Potenziare, Trasformare: Insieme, Plasmiamo un Futuro Sostenibile

President 2024-2027: Diana Barragán, Perú Meet the Executive

Candle Lighting Ceremony

A 90-year tradition that connects the BPW community across every region

More than 90 years ago, in 1930, BPW International was founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips from the United States of America and a few years later she conceived the idea of the Candle Lighting Ceremony.

As we perform this ceremony, we will evoke historical memories, the many accomplishments and celebrate today’s achievements. The candles symbolize the ambitions and endeavors of dedicated women in every country around the world.

President’s Message for the Ceremony

Our Mission & Aims

Four principles guide everything we do

Mission

BPW International develops the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill building, and economic empowerment programmes and projects around the world.

Aims

BPW International aims to unite business and professional women in all parts of the world to:

1. Work for women’s economic independence, equal opportunity and representation in economic, civil and political life.

2. Encourage and support women and girls to develop their professional and leadership potential, undertake lifelong education and training, and use their abilities for the benefit of others.

3. Advocate for the elimination of all discrimination against women and for human rights and gender-sensitive perspectives.

4. Undertake worldwide networking, non-profit projects that help women gain economic independence, and present the views of business and professional women to international organisations, governments and civil society.

Each woman, as a citizen, must bring to the national policy of her own country, the contribution of forward-looking and constructive thought followed by determined action. Each woman must dedicate herself to protect and promote the interest of all other women in business and the professions.
Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, Founder

United Nations Connections

BPW International’s advocacy at the highest global level

The root of BPW’s advocacy is embedded in the work with the United Nations. BPW lobbied for the formation of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and supported many women’s issues. BPW was awarded a Peace Messenger Certificate from UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar in 1987. Esther Hymer, BPW representative at the UN, was the first Chair of NGO CSW committee and was named as one of three women playing a significant role in the work of the UN Commission by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1997.

Today, BPW continues its representation at UN Headquarters in New York, Vienna, Geneva; UN regional offices (UNECA, UNECE, UNESCAP, UNESCWA, UNECLAC); UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, WHO, UNCTAD, UNIDO, FAO, UN DPI; Council of Europe; European Women’s Lobby and continues to work closely with UN Women.

Explore Our UN Work

Official Status

Consultative status at the international level since 1947

Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947
Consultative status with the Council of Europe since 1977
Member of Civil Society of Organization of American States (OAS) since 2009

Our History

From a Geneva founding in 1930 to a global federation today

BPW International was founded as International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 26, 1930, on the initiative of Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips. As President of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of the United States of America, she organized several “Goodwill Tours” to Europe in 1928 and 1929.

Hundreds of American women participated in these tours with the purpose of meeting business and professional women in Europe and promoting affiliation with them. The founding member countries were Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy and the United States of America. Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips was elected as the first IFBPW President and served until 1947.

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has had Consultative Status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947.

Read Full History

Explore About BPW

Founder, leadership, awards, traditions, and how to reach us

Founder

Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips: the visionary who launched BPW in 1930.

Read Her Story

Awards

Eight prestigious awards recognising women’s impact around the world.

View Awards

Traditions

Candle Lighting and other rituals that bind our global community.

Learn More

Contact

Reach the President’s Office and Member Services for any inquiry.

Get in Touch

About