We are a group of
women striving to improve conditions for working women in our society,
and to highlight to the nation a woman’s perspective on the key
issues of the day. We do this through leadership; through personal
development of our members; and through utilising the international
network and the advocacy which is Business and Professional Women
International.
Our objective is to help
women achieve personal and professional goals through networking,
friendship, development programs and workshops, and access to National
and International Conferences
Our members have the
opportunity to influence government decisions on issues important
to women by lobbying for legislative change and developing their
own skills and experience in the process.
Our focus is on leadership,
advocacy, personal development, networking, and women helping women.
· Leadership
We encourage our members
to take advantage of the leadership opportunities presented in our
Clubs and our communities, locally, at a State level as well as
nationally, and even internationally.
· Advocacy
We advocate for all working
women, as our members must all have worked, or be intending to work.
We have lobbied on Paid Maternity Leave, Equal pay, Childcare issues,
and we are a lead agent of the Women’s Secretariat, Security 4 Women.
· Personal development
We offer a secure environment
for women to learn from one another, and to acquire mentoring, or
even to mentor themselves. Our Clubs organise seminars to enable
formal professional development
· Networking
Through our Clubs and
our various communication tools, we enable women to develop strong
networks locally and nationally, as well as taking advantage of
the international nature of the organisation. Our members across
the country face similar challenges and can use the support and
knowledge of other like-minded women to provide encouragement and
inspiration.
· Women helping women
Locally and internationally
we are women helping women; with contributions to a Tsunami appeal;
donations for villages in Sri Lanka; goods for Women’s refuges;
scholarships for women and girls to improve their education. Whilst
we are not a fund raising organisation, we still are very keen to
help women in need.
BPW Australia is a federation
of Clubs and members represented in many areas and States/Territories
of Australia, both urban and rural. Members are all volunteers with
a similar objective to improve the status of women throughout Australia
and the world, although each Club has its own agenda and character.
BPW encourages all women
who are in the workforce, or have been in the workforce to become
members. Our member profile includes women from 22 to 70, who have
been or are employed, and who want to meet like-minded women with
a view to friendship, mentoring, support, and personal and professional
development.
Most members belong to
a Club which meets monthly. The meetings are usually held over a
dinner with an interesting guest speaker discussing issues which
are relevant to the local members. The Clubs often have projects
which address the issues of interest to the members, such as the
establishment of childcare centres; support for women’s refuges;
scholarships for young women in school and university; domestic
violence. Where we do not currently have a Club, members can join
as an Independent Member and receive information from the State
President or Representative, and from Head Office.
The location of the Clubs
can be found from the map of Australia on this, and other pages
and interested women can seek the Club contact with a view to attending
our meetings. Meetings are usually held each month and are open
to all women, working or non-working who have an interest in the
issues which are affecting Australian women today.
To locate a Club in
your area, go to the map of Australia on this Page and to your
State of Interest. |