Welcome April!

I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I can say March definitely came in like a lion and as of this writing, I haven’t seen the lamb yet…. 

Leading up to CSW69 (10 March – 21 March), BPW International hosted the annual Leaders’ Summit in New York City at the Harmonie Club. 

In very grand surroundings, more than 80 women from each of the 5 regions and 32 countries gathered to share experiences and exchange insights, best practices and explore new ideas all to enhance our efforts to bring equity, inclusion and empowerment worldwide. 

Here is a link to the Leaders’ Summit News (March 9, 2025):

https://www.bpw-international.org/2025/03/09/bpw-international-leaders-summit-2025-a-gathering-of-global-women-leaders-in-new-york/

With only one day between the end of the Leaders’ Summit and the beginning of CSW69, some took advantage to do a little sightseeing, others braved the long line to get their passes before the start.  Thankfully, though a little chilly, NYC smiled on us and did not share rain or snow or bitter winds. 

One of the significant highlights of our year includes the Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York City.  According to current information, more than 100 members of BPW International attended, including 15 from NFBPWC attending some or most of the two weeks in person.  

From our 1^st Vice President United Nations, Neelima Basnet:  this CSW saw more than 13,000 participants from 186 member states, one Vice President, 3 Deputy Prime Ministers, 97 Ministers 5845 NGOs, with 283 side events. This does not include the parallel events that were held over the course of the two week – both in person and virtually, the number of registered parallel events was listed at approximately 700+ events. 

Despite the current decisions and announcements made in recent days by our administration – which definitely knocked a bit of wind out of some sails, I can say without reservation, the voice of women in the US was heard, supporting their beliefs and the missions of their agencies.  The support we have shown women, organizations and other nations in their times of struggle and trouble was reflected back on us by this amazing group of women and men who, like we do, champion the purpose and mission of the Commission on the Status of Women. 

I am sharing a very discouraging message today – though likely most of you have read it already or were there when the statement was made.  Here is the link to the statement delivered by Jonathan Shrier, Acting US Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council. 

https://usun.usmission.gov/u-s-national-statement-delivered-at-the-69th-session-on-the-un-commission-of-the-status-of-women/

When you bump that statement up against our mission statement and our Advocacy Platform, the first words that come to mind are “discouraging” and “disheartening” But those words are wrong!  I’m going to go with “uncomfortably opposing.” 

I say that because I have faith in what we are doing. 

I will not lose heart because of this opposition and challenge – and neither should you. 

I will not allow my courage to be dissuaded – and neither should you. 

It feels a bit grandiose for me to quote Thomas Paine, but we are truly immersed in our own version of his famous statement made in December of 1776.

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

But I have confidence that NFBPWC is not made up of summer soldiers and sunshine patriots.  As an organization and as individuals, we are the progeny of women who had no history to guide them, no precedents of law to support them - but they knew what was right and they fought for it.  We have the benefit of those honorable, hard-fought, hard-won victories to help us as we move forward in these uncertain times. 

There are truly so many other things I would like to share with you all that happened in March and will be happening in April, but I feel this is the right place to close for now. 

I encourage you to support our committees as they move forward this year.

Thank you for your dedication and passion.

With gratitude and determination,

Barbara J. Bozeman

NFBPWC President
2024-2026