Young BPW is the network for young women of 35 years and under who want to network, be inspired and get ahead!

Established in 1985 as a training and self-development programme for young members of the Business and Professional Women organization (BPW), it has since grown to become a truly international network with hundreds of members around the world. Pictured is Nicoletta Fawcett, Young BPW 2005-2007
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BPW International and the Next Generation of Leaders

Rosmarie Michel, Past International President (1983 - 1985), initiated the Young BPW Program at the BPWI Congress in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1985 under the motto "Youth Today - Leaders Tomorrow" - in recognition of the United Nations International Youth Year (IYY) 1985

This was a typical decision in the tenure of this forward-looking Swiss woman. Pragmatic as she was, she had established the Young BPW Fund '85 which was used to assist twelve Young Career Women from ten different countries to attend Congress. A recommendation to Congress asked that this policy be continued - a recommendation which was enthusiastically endorsed, causing President Michel to state that the idea of inviting future leaders to Congress 'had proved to be far more successful than anybody could ever have imagined".

Frances Hallett from the UK, one of the young delegates, summed up her experience of attending this international event with these words;
"I was very proud to belong to an organization whose aims can surmount all national barriers. I had not realized how many projects IFBPW* was involved in, not just in using its voice to influence legislation but also in giving practical help in the field. I had not realized how dedicated IFBPW was to improving conditions for women both in the workplace and in their general living conditions.

Some of the Young Career Women of yesteryear have become leaders of today; many more of today's Young BPW will have the opportunity to become tomorrow's leaders. At the XXVth International Congress in Luzern, we will celebrate 20 years of Young BPW.

Personal Perspective from a Young BPW member

This is an adapted version of Heather Hunter's speech that she presented at the National BPW conference in 2007 about how she views BPW.

What jewellery do you wear?

We usually choose our jewellery very carefully, don't we? Not just when deciding what items to purchase, but what to wear each day. When I look at my jewellery, I am reminded of different aspects of BPW that are important to me.

Take bracelets for example. The links in the chains symbolise the network of business and professional women that is BPW. Each link is important. If one is missing, the chain is no longer a bracelet.  The interlinked formation is also a good representation of mentoring which is one of the major focal points of BPW Australia (and BPW International).  If you would like to find a mentor or become a mentor, then BPW is for you.

One of my bracelets has a heart-shaped padlock on it. This reminds me that every member of BPW and indeed every woman in the world is a treasure worth protecting.

This same bracelet has a safety chain with much smaller links than the bracelet itself. In the same way, members of BPW come in various shapes and sizes and their personalities and reasons for joining are equally diverse.

What about necklaces? Most of my necklaces are not typical chain necklaces and BPW is not a typical networking organisation. It is so much more!

Looking at my rings, I remember the continuous support and encouragement within the BPW circle. Nowadays, families are often separated by vast distances and the women in your local BPW club can become surrogate sisters, mothers, aunts or grandmothers.

I love wearing dangly earrings and one of my favourite pairs of earrings is tiered. I believe they represent the different levels of involvement we can have in BPW and also the various tiers of membership – club, state, national and international.

Nearly everyone wears a watch these days. I see my watch and remember that BPW is a group of women watching out for other members and women around the world.

If you have a watch that displays two time zones, this might remind you of the international scope of BPW through its ongoing support of a Global Peace Village in Sri Lanka, Project Five-O in developing countries and a number of other community-oriented projects.

BPW also provides international travel opportunities through the international conferences held every three years. BPW members can also be accredited to attend meetings at the United Nations as observers.

What jewellery do you wear?

To find out more about Young BPW: Please contact your National YBPW representative at ybpw@bpw.com.au or your National Administration Office at bpwaust@bpw.com.au or phone 03 9895 4487