By: Eva Richter
NGO Committee on Migration and NY Member

“Get the Criminals Out of Here!” Migrants, Refugees and Deportation

A majority of Americans have applauded President Trump’s policy to seal our southern border and deport the vast majority of migrants and refugees in our midst who are undocumented. Some of these migrants have been living here with various protections for as much as 30 years and have children and grandchildren born here, whom President Trump now wishes to strip of their birthright as US citizens.

The rationale for these actions has been that most of these undocumented migrants are criminals and have immeasurably harmed this country.

Of course we do not want murderers, drug lords, arms dealers, violent people and terrorists in our country. No law-abiding citizen wants criminals in their midst, but at issue is the very definition of the term "criminal." If one has come over the border without official authorization, even in order to claim refugee status (an international human right), according to our present government that is a criminal act, and the person is subject to arrest and deportation. Overstaying a legal visa, as some legally authorized students and workers may have done, some for purely bureaucratic reasons like being unable to schedule a timely hearing, may be considered a criminal act. And will we label as criminals someone who has had to pay a fine for a blown car taillight? Or for an expired car

registration? Or any of a host of minor infractions? Under present definitions, such people, regardless of their years of positive contributions to our institutions, our economy, our services and the richness of our cultural lives may be labeled criminals and deported, our armed forces enforcing the political decrees.

Many of the members of the NFBPWC are teachers and professors, health providers and members of religious organizations. Many are entrepreneurs, who have hired and relied on the work of migrants and refugees in their businesses and enterprises and now find them threatened with deportation. Many of us have worked hard with various agencies of the United Nations to craft and adopt (2018) the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact for Refugees. These compacts provide a rational framework to improve the worldwide response to the needs of migrants and refugees while protecting the integrity of national boundaries and institutions.

Countering the principles established in these documents,  however,  in  the  United  States, the Trump Administration is following through on the President's promise to pursue policies permitting law enforcement agencies like ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to invade public spaces like schools, churches and hospitals to arrest and deport "criminals" within the borders of the United States.

Such indiscriminate action will disrupt our justice system, our schools, our lives, and our sense of community. Families are becoming afraid to send their children to school, fearing they will be taken away or that parents coming to pick up their children may be arrested and deported, separated from their families without even a hearing. Women and children are especially vulnerable to fears like these. Often they are the survivors of conflict, threats, intimidations and violence in every sphere of their lives, who have made their way through dreadful circumstances to what they think will be safety in this country. Further dislocations and disruption put them in more danger than ever of becoming victims of trafficking, which has increased by 10 million in the last five years (See ILO, IOM, Walk Free).

Officials in New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago and others have been instructing public employees to block ICE raids in the public schools, and the City University of New York (CUNY) and many public schools have been issuing directives to teachers and others urging them to resist classroom invasion by ICE. (Internal Memos Instruct New YorkCity Government Employees to Block ICE Raids | THECITY — NYC News)

But we are not clear about what is legal and what is not, how we can resist and what the consequences might be. Can we demand a warrant? What sort of warrant must ICE have to be able to effect arrests and deportation?

Effective resistance depends on knowledge and information, and several cities and institutions have published detailed information about migrants’ rights.

The City University of New York (CUNY) has published the following material: Can ICE now go into churches, schools and hospitals? What we can VERIFY |9news.com(Author: Megan Loe: 2:11 PM MST January 24, 2025).

Published in several different languages, this highly informative article talks about the requirement of arrest warrants for ICE to be able to carry out their missions, what kinds of warrants they must present, how one may demand that they be shown, what constitutes public as opposed to private space, etc.

Various cities have informative websites in several languages about what is and what is not legal, together with lists of attorneys who may be contacted in case of emergency.

See the following:

• Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs(NYC)

• Orientation for New Asylees and Refugees -Office of Immigrant Affairs(LA)

• Denver Office Of Immigrant Affairs - SearchNews(Denver)

• City of Chicago: Office of Immigrant, Migrant,and Refugee Rights(Chicago)

• Immigration Resources | DC(Washington DC)

Hopefully, concerted opposition will either slow down or derail attempts at mass deportation and destruction.

As an organization tasked with the advancement of women’s economic, political, social and employment conditions globally, we must take whatever action we can, hope for the best and beprepared for the worst.

Eva Richter NGO Committee on Migration and NY Member

Meeting the BPW International Executives Your Vice Presidents

In the January issue, you were introduced to our newly elected BPW International President Diana Barragan and our Regional Coordinator for North America and the Caribbean, Karin Gorgerat.

This month, it is our pleasure to introduce to you our BPW International Vice Presidents (First Vice President United Nations and Vice President Membership). Their dedication, vision, and contributions exemplify the very best of what our organization represents.

Each has been asked to share something of their vision and aspirations for BPW’s future. We look forward to their insights highlighting the important work we do globally but also help remind us of the power we have as a collective to create meaningful change.

Please join in celebrating and supporting these leaders (both of whom are also members of NFBPWC) as they continue to elevate our mission on the international level.

First Vice President United Nations Neelima Basne

The United Nations was formed in 1945 and just a year later, IFBPW was among the first NGOs to obtain consultative status. Since then, BPW has played a huge role in accelerating the process toward gender equality.

This is why we must all work together, so that we don’t allow the results of our efforts to go backward instead of forward. Many countries are faced with this very real circumstance today, a concern that I’m sure you share with me.

As your new 1st Vice President United Nations, I am ready to work for BPW – but I need the support and guidance of all our members, to move our mission further along in order that we may create a better world for future generations.

My objective is to work toward a #UNITEDBPW and I look forward to your collaboration in our common cause.

Dear BPW sisters of NFBPWC-USA

In the year 1919, in your land of USA, Dr. Lena Madison Phillips ignited the light of BPW with a dream to fight for equality, peace, justice and empowerment of women and girls – a dream that a decade later spread across the globe. However, despite 106 years in USA and 94 years internationally, we still have not achieved gender equality or peace in the world.

Architect Neelima Basnet from Nepal BPW member of UK, NFBPWC-USA, Malaysia

neelima.basnet@bpw-international.org

neeli_bas@hotmail.com

Vice President Membership Francesca Burack:

My VISION – UNITY Is Our Strength

It is a great honor and privilege for me to serve as your newly elected BPW International’s Vice President of Membership.

I am proud of my history of service in this organization including my many years as President of NFBPWC- NYC, my term as NFBPWC’s Vice President Membership, and my ongoing service as UN Representative for IFBPW, to name a few.

We are an organization rich in history, advocacy and influence. Let’s not forget that it all started here, in the

United States of America with our visionary leader Lena Madison Philips.

She was the one who realized that our connections to like-minded women in every part of the world enhances our lives and through collaboration we deliver impactful results to improve the lives of women and families.

As we move forward together, I envision a BPW International where the building of richness of diversity of thought is encouraged; an organization where each generation feels welcome to contribute to our growth, goals, and vision of a better world for our members and women around the world; and the expansion of benefits for members so that they continue to grow including upskilling and reskilling, helping our entrepreneurs build capacity and strengthening our networks.

I look forward to collaborating with you so we can live our triennium theme

Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future

When women come together, support, mentor, and empower each other we create miracles. Let’s create some miracles together during this triennium.

Francesca Burack Vice President Membership BPW International

francesca.burack@bpw-international.org

By: Larisa B. Miller
NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org 

Looking Back at 2024, Moving Forward into 2025 with a Global  

Mindset 

As we close the chapter on 2024, it is natural to reflect on the challenges and accomplishments  that defined the year for women across the globe. From boardrooms to classrooms, from  startups to multinational organizations, and from community initiatives to the corridors of  power, women have continued to lead with resilience, creativity, and an unyielding drive to make an impact. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of this year has been the growing acknowledgment of the role women play  as not just contributors but as architects of global progress. Women have embraced their positions as founders,  executives, innovators, and thought leaders, while continuing to fulfill the universal responsibilities of home 

and family. This duality is both our challenge and our strength—it connects us across borders and reinforces  our shared humanity. 

As the International Liaison for NFBPWC, I am deeply inspired by how women in our network have  demonstrated a willingness to collaborate, to bridge cultural divides, and to embrace the soft diplomacy that the  world so desperately needs. Whether it’s through grassroots projects that uplift communities or multinational  partnerships that drive economic development, women have proven to be the bridge-builders of our time. 

As we look ahead to 2025, we must carry forward this momentum with a global mindset. It is essential to  embrace opportunities for collaboration, knowing that together, we can achieve far more than we can  individually. The world needs the unique perspectives, ideas, and solutions that women bring, and it is through  unity and solidarity that we can address the complex challenges of our era. 

In 2025, let us lean into our roles as leaders, mentors, and collaborators, with a commitment to creating  opportunities for growth and progress for ourselves and for the next generation of women. Let us also recognize  the importance of balancing ambition with empathy, leveraging our influence to make the world a more  inclusive, equitable, and compassionate place. 

To my fellow NFBPWC members and women across the globe: I wish you a happy, productive, and collaborative  2025. May it be a year where we continue to build bridges, expand our networks, and advance together with  purpose and passion.

By: Susan O’Malley
IFBPWC UN Representative (Editor)

His Excellency Ivan Simonovic, Ambassador of Croatia to the UN, Calls for an Optional Protocol

On November 25, 2024, during the UN High-level meeting to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Croatia called for examining the need for a new Optional Protocol to CEDAW.

His Excellency Ivan Šimonović, Ambassador of Croatia to the United Nations in New  York, opened his remarks by commenting on the need to evaluate the strength of the current framework on violence against women and girls. He offered an overview of progress, from the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) to the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and CEDAW general recommendations on violence against women and girls.

“Now,” he said, “we need to examine the need for the optional protocol to CEDAW on Violence against Women, as called for by the past and current UN special rapporteurs on violence against women, in their joint statement.

The ambassador also called for upgrading and accelerating the Beijing Platform for Action and revitalizing the UN Commission on the Status of Women with a comprehensive mandate that works in partnership with civil society.

By: Larisa B. Miller
NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org

Reflections on the BPW International Triennial Congress

Attending the BPW International Triennial Congress in St. Kitts-Nevis was a vivid reminder of the power and importance of cross-border collaboration and connecting with our global BPW family. Through advocacy, business, knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and collaboration, the Congress highlighted how we can strengthen our collective impact as BPW sisters.

While the Congress wasn’t without its challenges—debates, disagreements, and discussions are inevitable in a truly global organization—these moments are essential to achieving consensus and driving progress. These gatherings, whether regional conferences, national congresses, or the triennial Congress, are invaluable. They offer the chance to listen, learn, express viewpoints, and expand our perspectives by engaging with members from around the world.

Global interaction at Congresses like this broadens our horizons, deepening our understanding of the needs, successes, and opportunities present in other cultures. It inspires fresh ideas and innovative solutions to challenges we face both individually and collectively. Perhaps most importantly, it fosters friendships and strengthens our global network, a cornerstone of BPW’s success.

I encourage every member to actively reach out to sisters from other clubs around the world. Create joint projects that address shared goals, explore twinning opportunities with other clubs, and leverage these relationships to amplify your advocacy and impact. Together, we are stronger, and through collaboration, we can achieve meaningful change.

As we move forward, I’m delighted to announce that our Global Oasis, a virtual meeting space for BPW sisters worldwide, will resume in January with a compelling topic for discussion. This initiative is a chance to continue these vital conversations and collaborations between Congresses. Stay tuned for more details, and let’s continue to embrace the spirit of global sisterhood that defines our BPW community!

MEET YOUR NEW INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVES

The BPW International Triennium Theme (2024-2027) is: Innovate, Inspire, Empower, Transform –

Together We can Shape a Sustainable Future NFBPWC-USA headed to St. Kitts with a plan.

President - Diana Barragan (BPW Peru)

1st VP (UN) - Neelima Basnet (BPW UK)

2nd VP (Membership) - Francesca Burack (BPW USA) Executive Secretary - Carolyn Savage (BPW New Zealand) Executive Finance Officer - Gudrun Jakobsdottir (BPW Iceland) Young BPW Representative - Izadora Lechacoski (BPW Brazil) Immediate Past President – Dr. Catherine Bosshart

Africa Regional Coordinator - Bertiller Massawe (BPW Tanzania) Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator - Herlin Chien (BPW Taiwan) Europe Regional Coordinator - Anu Viks (BPW Estonia)

Latin America Regional Coordinator - Olga Ahumada (BPW Argentina) North America & Caribbean Regional Coordinator - Karin Gorgerat (BPW Canada)

We spent months as a region, getting mentally prepared for the work that lay ahead. But there’s more to the Congress than elections and updates to our governance.

Here’s where we meet new friends, greet those friends we only know virtually and build relationships that extend beyond borders. USA showed up in style and with a plan.

Sunday, we paid homage to our suffragette sisters by donning our whites and our National scarf.

Monday was Rosie Day. We wore blue and donned our Rosie the Rivetter headbands.

Tuesday was Red and READY!

More to come on the website and Facebook!

Now is the time for us to embrace our new friends, our revitalized relationships and move the needle forward on this wonderful organization.

By: Susan O’Malley
IFBPWC UN Representative

Information on CSW69 (10 March - 21 March 2025) at UN Headquarters, NY

1. CSW69 is the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and Adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

2. Representatives of Member States, UN entities   (UN Women is an UN entity), and ECOSO accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOS) numbering in the thousands from all regions of the world will attend to work together to assess the progress and lack of progress achieved by the Beijing Platform of Action in the last 30 years. [The problem: although the Beijing Platform of Action is an excellent transformative document, it is 30 years old and is not always relevant to today and is not legally binding.] A document will be produced by the Member States with NGOs trying to influence the contents.

3. If you Google “UN Women/CSW69,” you can find the National Reports from most of the Member States. (The US report has not been posted yet.) Reports from all of the ECOSOC Accredited NGOs, including IFBPW, will be posted as soon as UN Women finishes editing them. Their website is an excellent source of information. Do consult it.

4. Across the street from the UN in the Church Center NGOs present Parallel Events on the CSW69 theme. If you are applying to present a Parallel Event, either in person or on Zoom, do it as soon as possible. Google NGO CSW69 Forum Parallel Events Applications to apply.

In-Person Events: Deadline is 25 November. Two to three or more NGOs need to collaborate together because there are not enough available rooms. The cost is $400/$500 depending on size of room.

Virtual Events: Deadline is 2 December. The cost is $100.

Do email me if you have questions: susanomalley4@gmail.com

By: Larisa B. Miller, NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org

Standing Strong Together: A Call to Action for BPW Women

As the International Liaison for the NFBPWC, I feel a deep sense of urgency as we move toward one of the most pivotal election days in modern history. The outcomes of this election will reverberate across the globe, shaping policies, rights, and opportunities for women

everywhere. It is a time of great uncertainty, but also one of immense possibility—an opportunity for us to make our collective voices heard and to influence the direction of progress.

Today, more than ever, we find ourselves at a crossroads, where the rights we have fought so tirelessly to secure face new challenges and threats. It is in this moment that we must come together, shoulder to shoulder, in unwavering solidarity to ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear across the globe.

The concerning trend of regressing women's rights should be a clarion call for all of us. Our hard-won rights— secured through the efforts, sacrifices, and relentless advocacy of women who came before us—are not guaranteed, and voting to preserve our rights is our responsibility. What happens in one corner of the world – positively or negatively, impacts us all, as the erosion of rights in any region is a reminder that our work is never complete. We must recognize that what affects one of us affects all of us, regardless of our ethnicity, religious affiliation, education level or socioeconomic standing. This is our moment to come together, to reassert our commitment to the values of equality, opportunity, and justice.

Yet, while we stand united in our advocacy, we must also recognize the power within our own ranks. Sometimes, we must be the architects of our own opportunities. Whether it’s breaking glass ceilings in corporate spaces, founding and building new businesses, or pushing for change in our communities, we have the ability—and indeed, the obligation—to pave the way for each other.

This is the time for us to create pathways for growth, promotion, and opportunity not just for ourselves but for each other. Let us focus on mentoring one another, sharing knowledge, skills, and experiences to empower the next generation of BPW leaders. It is through collaboration, rather than competition, that we will achieve the greatest outcomes. We must strive to build relationships that bridge gaps across borders, connecting our chapters in meaningful ways to share resources, expertise, and support.

Through our combined efforts, we can build a global network that not only addresses the challenges we face today but also creates a foundation of strength and unity for the future. Let’s work collectively to ensure that our BPW chapters are spaces where innovation thrives, where women support women, and where our collective voice becomes a powerful force for positive change.

Our strength lies in our unity, and our power lies in our unified voice. Together, we can continue the work of those who came before us, ensuring that the future is more secure, stable and economically accessible for generations of women to come. Now is the time to stand strong, to speak out, and to support one another in every possible way. Because when we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve. And remember, your vote is OUR voice.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place  every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive.

This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect with members from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime and we encourage all members to consider attending this event.

Link for more information:

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/

By: Larisa B. Miller, NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026), international@nfbpwc.org 

The Power of Global Collaboration Among Business and Professional  Women In a world that is increasingly interconnected, our understanding of success as business and  professional women must evolve beyond local and national boundaries. We often limit  ourselves because of preconceived notions we have about doing business in different  countries and cultures, missing out on the  

immense opportunities that global collaboration can offer. If we take the time to truly get to know our counterparts in other regions—learning their business etiquette, forging friendships, and exploring potential partnerships—we can redefine success in ways that resonate universally. 

One of the first steps in this journey is to immerse ourselves  in the business culture of a new region. Whether through research or direct interaction, understanding the unique customs and practices of different countries can open doors to meaningful connections. This knowledge is not just about etiquette; it’s  about respect and recognition of the diverse ways in which business is conducted around the world. With a  myriad of language apps, learn a few words of salutation and thanks; connect with women in similar industries  and sectors and spend some time getting to know them; and research government structures – you may be  surprised at the type of leaders (and how many women) other countries have in leadership. For instance, did  you know that the UAE has a Minister of Happiness? Minister of Youth? Minister of Tolerance? Seventy (70%)  of university graduates in the UAE are women (UAE Government Portal, 2023). In Rwanda, a global leader in  gender equality, particularly in government, 60% of parliamentary seats are held by women, and 42% of all  businesses are owned by women (World Bank, 2022). Germany has seen a rise in female entrepreneurship, with  women founding nearly 40% of new startups in the last few years, as noted in the 2023 Women in Business report  by Grant Thornton. Women in Australia hold approximately 32% of board seats, one of the highest proportions  globally. Interestingly, in the past decade, female-owned businesses have grown by 46%, compared to a 27% growth rate for male-owned businesses, indicating a strong surge in female entrepreneurship (Workplace Gender Equity Agency, 2023). 

Social media platforms are invaluable in forging global connections. By actively engaging with women entrepreneurs and professionals across the world, we can cultivate relationships that go beyond mere networking, transcending borders and cultural divides. 

These connections often blossom into enduring friendships, built on a foundation of trust and mutual respect, which are crucial for meaningful collaboration. Through these relationships, we can mentor one another, share valuable insights, and create powerful partnerships that enable our businesses not just to survive, but to  flourish on a global scale. 

The benefits of such global collaboration are multifaceted. By exploring ways in which our businesses can  collaborate—or even learn from—competitive enterprises in other parts of the world, we position ourselves to  tap into stronger supply chains, foster greater innovation, and expand our networks of potential partners and  clients. This global mindset enables us to think beyond small, incremental growth. Instead, we can embrace the  idea that the world is our oyster, full of possibilities waiting to be explored. 

However, this journey is not one we can undertake alone. It requires a collective effort, where we come together  as a global community of business and professional women, united by our shared goals and aspirations. By  setting aside our differences and focusing on our common strengths, we can define new levels of success that will  become universal pillars for everyone. The future of business is global, and together, we are the solution. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?  

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive. This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.  

Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect with members from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime and we encourage all members to consider attending this event.  

Link for more information:  

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/

By: Susan O’Malley IFBPWC UN Representative  

What’s Happening at the UN? 

The following article will briefly outline what is happening at the UN in September and October 2024. Feel free to email me with your questions:

susanomalley4@gmail.com. Do take a look at UN TV. (Google it!) Many UN sessions are broadcast on UN TV. And apologies for the language of the UN which can be boring and flat. 

The 79th session of the United Nations General  Assembly (UNGA) will take place  from Tuesday, September 10, 2024, to Tuesday, September 24, 2024, in New York City.  The session will open at 3 PM local time. The general debate will take place from 

Tuesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 28, and on Monday, September 30. The theme for the 2024 General  Assembly is "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human  dignity for present and future generations". The IFBPW usually gets 2 tickets to the events. Leaders of many countries  attend the opening meetings and speak. 

The Summit of the Future will take place on September 22-23 at the UN in New York City before the General  Assembly 

The Sustainable Development Goals are badly off track. The aim of the Summit is twofold:  

• accelerate efforts to meet our existing international commitments, and  

• take concrete steps to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. 

This will be achieved through an action-oriented outcome document called the Pact for the Future which will be  negotiated and endorsed by countries in the lead-up to and during the Summit in September 2024. The result  will be a world – and an international system – that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and  in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations. The Summit of the Future will create the  conditions in which implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can more readily be  achieved. It will do so by building on the outcome of the 2023 SDG Summit The Sustainable Development Goals.  Note that this is an implementation document, not a policy statement. The UN has always been better at  negotiating policy but not implementing it. 

By: Larisa B. Miller
NFBPWC International Relations Chair (2024-2026),  international@nfbpwc.org 

Leading Through Uncertainty: BPW’s Role in Shaping a Global Future 

In today's world of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, our role as members of  the National Federation of Business and Professional Women Clubs (NFBPWC) has never  been more crucial. We stand at a critical juncture, where our leadership can influence not just  the future of women in business, but also the global economy and societal progress. 

The challenges we face are significant. Geopolitical shifts are redefining international relations, and economic  instability is straining businesses worldwide. Supply chains are disrupted, and markets have become  unpredictable. In such a landscape, it's tempting to retreat into familiar patterns, clinging to biases and beliefs.  However, if we are to thrive, we must intentionally unite, set aside these barriers, and forge new relationships  that transcend borders, cultures, and ideologies. 

As BPW members in the United States and around the world, we have a collective responsibility to lead the  charge for women in business. We must be the catalysts for change, demonstrating that women are not just  participants but key innovators and shapers of the future. This goes beyond advancing our own careers; it's  about using our influence to uplift those who have been marginalized, particularly the over 400 million women  living in poverty globally. 

These women, often voiceless and overlooked, have the potential to drive extraordinary change. With the right  knowledge, tools, and resources, they could break the cycle of poverty, build thriving businesses, and contribute  to the global economy's stability and growth. The impact would be transformative, reshaping markets,  strengthening supply chains, and fostering a more equitable global economy.

But this vision requires action from us. We must be the ones to reshape business practices and create opportunities for collaboration that cross traditional boundaries. Our collective voice must be strong, advocating for greater access to capital and opportunities for women everywhere. We need to dismantle the barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential, showing that inclusivity and diversity are not just ideals, but essentials for sustainable business and economic growth. As BPW members, we are uniquely positioned to lead this movement. Our organization has a rich history of championing women's rights and economic empowerment. Now is the time to build on that legacy. By uniting with purpose,  we can navigate current uncertainties and lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous future. 

Together, let’s rise to the occasion and show the world what is possible when women lead with courage and  conviction.

The first Global Oasis was held on August 10th via Zoom. With over 40 registered, it was well attended and a  lively program. We welcomed members from Ireland and Canada, Cyprus and St. Kitts, UK and many of our  US members as well.  

Those who attended – did not arrive knowing each other very well, but all left as friends and better as colleagues,  inspired by the questions posed and the action-provoking conversations.  

As with all the best events – the big question on everyone’s mind was “when will we do this again?” STAY TUNED FOR OUR NEXT DATE AT THE OASIS! 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN NOVEMBER?  

BPW International Congress, the General Assembly of BPW International, takes place every 3 years, thus starting and ending the Triennium for the BPW International Executive.This event is open to every member of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Over the course of the 5-day program, there are business meetings, workshops and the opportunity to interact and connect withmembers from around the world. It is an experience of a lifetime, and we encourage all members to consider attending this event. Link for more information:  

https://stkittscongress.bpw-international.org/