April in Action: Advocacy, Action and Impact

Happy spring BPW members! We’ve just wrapped up a hectic March in NYC with IFBPW’s Leader’s Summit and the 70th Commission of the Status of Women bringing thousands of gender advocates from around the world together. Moving into April, fresh off the tail of all this activity, has me re-energized and ready to take action.

Many of us are used to celebrating spring and Earth Day during April - it is a great time to think about sustainability and our environmental impact. I encourage our members to check out the ESD committee page and learn how to engage in their work. A sustainable future requires healthy communities, strong economies, and the full participation of women in every sector, from leadership and policy to science, technology, and education. Our work as advocates helps ensure that women’s voices are part of shaping that future.

From an advocacy lens, April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time  dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and strengthening prevention efforts. Sexual violence remains a serious issue affecting women in every community and workplace. Advocating for survivor-centered policies, supporting local organizations, and helping create safe and respectful professional environments are all ways we can contribute to meaningful change.

One of the most visible advocacy moments during the month is Denim Day, marked annually on the last Wednesday in April. Organized internationally by Peace Over Violence, Denim Day began after a controversial court ruling in Italy. The Supreme Court Justices ruled that because the victim was wearing tight denim jeans, there was no way the perpetrator could have removed them by himself, and therefore, the act must have been consensual. In response, activists encouraged people to wear denim as a symbol of protest against victim-blaming and sexual violence.

You can advocate by wearing denim on April 29th and posting a photo on social media - don’t forget to tag NFBPWC!

Later in the month, International Girls in ICT Day (April 23, 2026), led by the International Telecommunication Union, encourages girls and young women to explore careers in technology and digital innovation. Expanding access to these fields not only creates economic opportunity, but also ensures that the technologies shaping our future reflect the experiences and insights of women.

As advocates, we know that progress rarely comes from one action alone. It is built through many voices speaking up, mentoring a young woman exploring a new career path, supporting organizations that assist survivors of violence, participating in local environmental initiatives, or engaging policymakers on issues that affect women’s lives.

This April, I encourage each of you to find one way to take action. Wear denim in solidarity with survivors. Attend an Earth Day event. Mentor a young woman interested in science or technology. Share information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month in your community.

When we combine advocacy with awareness and action, we strengthen the impact of our work. Together we continue to build communities that are safer, more equitable, and more sustainable for women everywhere.

Nancy Werner
Advocacy ERA