International Public Affairs Chair: Amanda Graham-Rowe
Experience the Strength of Women Working Together
BPW International
BPW International (International Federation of Business and Professional Women) is an international network of business and professional women from more than 100 countries in 5 continents. Founded in 1930, BPW International develops the professional, leadership, and business potential of women on all levels through mentoring, networking, skill building, and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world.
BPW International Updates – November 2025
BPW International joins the CoNGO (Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations) Board in Consultive Relationship with the United Nations (Oct 29, 2025): This strengthens BPW’s collaboration with the UN and reinforces its commitment to women’s leadership and empowerment. Visit the BPW International Website to learn more
Celebrating 80 Years of Partnership with the UN (Oct 23, 2025): BPW International has held consultative status with ECOSOC since 1947. Visit the BPW International Website to learn more
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, the BPW representative at the UN, was the first Chair of the 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.
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. At present, there are a total of twenty-one members serving as representatives of IFBPW at the United Nations and its specialized agencies, and related organizations.
Today, BPW continues its representation at UN Headquarters in New York, Vienna, and 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.
BPW Clubs contribute to society by enabling women to sustain themselves economically. In addition, BPW offers personal development programs for members such as mentoring, leadership and training. BPW Clubs worldwide (including BPW Ontario and BPW Canada) have helped thousands of women to become economically empowered. For more information, please visit https://www.bpw-international.org
