membership

Why is BPW Right for You?

BPW works to achieve equity for all working women through advocacy, education, and information.

The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women is the voice of workingwomen. Members benefit from networking opportunities, personal development, leadership, educational programs, advocacy and visibility. Formed in 1939, BPW NZ has been influential in creating equity for women in the workplace. With a powerful network of members BPW NZ means business for you!

What does BPW do?

Since 1939, BPW NZ has been building women's careers and skills, by holding workshops and training events, providing scholarships, lobbying for women's issues, building public issues awareness through the media, and much more. Our members also make a difference through more than 30 branches nationwide, each with their own projects, scholarships, and programs.

Together, we are affiliated to BPW International which seeks organise business and professional women in all parts of the world to use their combined abilities and strengths for the attainment of the following objectives.

  • To work for
    • Equal opportunities and status for women in the economic, civil and political life in all countries
    • The removal of discrimination.
  • To encourage women and girls to
    • Acquire education, occupational training and advanced education
    • Use their occupational capacities and intelligence for the advantage of others as well as themselves.
  • To improve the position of women in business, trade and the professions, and in the economic life of their countries.
  • To stimulate and encourage in women a realisation and an acceptance of their responsibilities to the community - locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • To work for high standards of service in business and the professions.
  • To promote worldwide friendship, cooperation and understanding between business and professional women.

But I'm not a "professional". Is BPW for me?

Any one may join, regardless of how they earn a living. Even when BPW began 75 years ago members ranged from secretaries to executives, educators to business owners. We want you to meet women like you, whatever your career path, who have a desire to work together for the progress of workingwomen.

I'm so busy! How can I possibly fit BPW in my life?

How do I know if BPW is for me?

Your local club will usually welcome you as a guest for at least two meetings before expecting you to make a commitment to joining.

You are welcome to "look and see" whether this is for you.

Don't I need a sponsor to join BPW?

No. BPW is open to anyone who supports our objectives and pays their dues.

Isn't it expensive?

BPW is a bargain! While the dues vary by branch, they are usually $65 to $80 per year for workingwomen. Some clubs also offer lower rates for students.

Join us today!

If there is no branch of BPW available locally you may join as an individual

Top Ten Benefits to BPW Membership

  1. Friendships. Form lasting bonds with wonderful women from all walks of life from all over.
  2. A Legislative Voice. Receive meaningful legislative information and updates on important work-life issues. Our focus is on improving the environment for working women. We have lobbied on issues such as Matrimonial Property, Student Loans, Employment Relations, Disability Strategies, Prostitution Reform, Pay Equity, Health & Safety in Employment, Paid Parental Leave and the Ministry of Women's Affairs Action Plan for Women.
  3. Women Helping Women. Get involved and make a difference.
  4. Scholarships for Working Women. BPW provides local and national scholarships for 'second chance' education and young women embarking on their educational journey.
  5. Networking. As working women we face similar challenges and joys in the pursuit of a balance between our professional and working lives. Our members provide each other with support and success strategies that help us grow and change.
  6. Leadership Training. We work to expand the leadership capacity of our members to enable them to make influential contributions to their community locally, nationally and internationally. BPW believes that increasing the number and quality of women leaders improves our ability to make life better for all women.
  7. Opportunity for Advancement. You can gain experience at the local and national levels, with mentors to help you every step of the way.
  8. Personal Development. BPW offers a supportive environment where women can work together to share in the personal growth and development process and acquire personal development skills. Our members learn assertiveness, gain self-confidence, find ideas and support, benefit from mentoring and gain encouragement and inspiration from the experience and achievements of fellow members and a wide range of guest speakers.
  9. Travel. BPW offers events all over New Zealand and internationally.
  10. Programs and Meetings. Our Clubs meet monthly for dinner and hear from inspirational speakers on a range of subjects of interest to workingwomen - some recent examples from clubs include: a political forum featuring women candidates from all the major parties prior to the 2005 election, a seminar on "How to turn big ideas into successful small businesses", and a recent migrant shared her experiences as a refugee fleeing Iraq. A panel discussion at the 2005 national conference featured Gloria Herbert speaking on 'Women in Maori Politics", Yvonne Sharp speaking on 'Women in Local Body Politics", Hon. Katherine O'Regan speaking on "Women in National Politics" and Maureen Eardley-Wilmot on 'Women in International Politics".

Convinced? Join us today!

Join Our Club

If you are interested in joining BPW, you can do one of three things:

  • Come to the next meeting of the club nearest you hyperlink to club contacts page
  • E-mail membership@bpwnz.org.nz for details of the closest club
  • Complete the online application (click here) and e-mail with your cheque to the Vice President Membership membership@bpwnz.org.nz
  • To join BPW NZ's e-mail listserv, receive announcements about upcoming events, and share information of interest to working women, please click here.

"Most employers expect you to hit the ground running and are not prepared to risk allowing you to develop new skills outside the role your were initially hired to perform.
I have been involved with BPW since the mid-90's and have learned how to lead and inspire my club, helped organise a national conference, edited a workshop report that was later published, learned how to make speeches and raise sponsorship all in a supportive environment with mentoring from women whose opinions I value.
When I apply for jobs I find that I am selling the skills and confidence I have gained through my involvement with BPW almost more than the experience gained through my profession."

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