About BPW

More than 80 years ago, BPW was founded by Dr Lena Madesin Phillips from the United States of America.

BPW New Zealand History

BPW NZ was formed in 1939, initially as an offshoot of the YWCA organisation. The initial focus of the NZ Federation was with regard to the war, and food parcels were sent to Britain. But at the same time a plan of study was outlined on the “Status of Women”. Projects were also undertaken, and in the first decade these included:

  • A survey of the status of domestic work and workers
  • Juvenile employment
  • Women jurors
  • and in 1941, a series of lectures was arranged on “the Social Aspects of Sex”.


Soon after the war, in 1946, when the Federation was composed of 10 Clubs and was becoming recognised as a nationally organised society, it separated from the YWCA. Some ten years later membership had increased to 940 in 19 Clubs. This steady growth continued so that, when the Federation celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1989, membership totalled nearly 2000 in 45 Clubs located throughout New Zealand. In 1991 the Federation adopted a new Constitution and became registered as an Incorporated Society.

The Federation maintains a close affiliation with the International Federation. Delegates and observers have regularly attended Congress and Board Meetings, members have served on Standing Committees and four have been elected to international office. In 1985 the XVIIth Congress was held in Auckland – the first Congress in Australasia.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, now a US Supreme Court Justice, learned the story of the Women’s Rights Movement. Today she says,

“I think about how much we owe to the women who went before us – legions of women, some known but many more unknown. I applaud the bravery and resilience of those who helped all of us – you and me – to be here today.”

BPW New Zealand is committed to continuing that work.

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women is an influential international network of business and professional women from over 100 countries in 5 continents with Consultative Status at ECOSOC/United Nations. Founded in 1930, BPW International develops the professional, leadership and business potential of women on all levels through our mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world.

Our Affiliation

Our Federation is an affiliate of the International Federation. Delegates and observers have regularly attended Congress and Board Meetings, members have served on Standing Committees and four have been elected to international office. In 1985 the XVIIth Congress was Ruth Bader Ginsburg, now a US Supreme Court Justice, learned the story of the Women’s Rights Movement. Today she says,

“I think about how much we owe to the women who went before us – legions of women, some known but many more unknown. I applaud the bravery and resilience of those who helped all of us – you and me – to be here today.”

Achievements of The International Federation of Business and Professional Women, through its Federations, Affiliates and Clubs:


  • Evidence based business case promoted
  • Sponsorship of women into leadership and decision making roles
  • Women on Corporate Boards of Management
  • Supply chain support for women owned business in corporate and government purchase policy and practice
  • Access to capital, funding and equity ownership rights
    • … at all levels
    • Women as a percentage of intake at all management levels in business and government
    • Education and development
    • Equal Pay
    • Mentoring and support to ensure equitable distribution and representation of women in decision making roles
    • Transparency, reporting and monitoring
    … in the community
    • Corporate Social Responsibility
    • Local supply chain support for women vendors
    • Women’s and girl’s economic empowerment through education, development and participation
    • Health and well-being
    • Access to micro-finance.
    The International Federation of Business and Professional Women holds its AGM every three years when a new Executive is voted in and the theme for the next Triennium is established.

    Themes that drive our work

    The Theme for the current triennium 2017 – 2020 is:

    “Empowering Women to realise Sustainable Development Goals.”
    For more information about the sustainable development goals, Follow this link
    Past themes have been:

    2014- 2017 “Together, we will be Making A Difference Through Leadership And Action.”
    2011-2014 “Empowered Women Leading Business”
    2008-2011 “The Power to make a Difference”
    2005-2008 “New Dimensions of Leadership”
    2002-2005 “A World of Peace”
    1999-2002 “Empowering Women for the 21st Century”
    1996-1999 “Partnerships for the Future”
    1993-1996 “Taking IFBPW Forward”
    1991-1993 “Women – Environment and Development”
    1989-1991 “Women – the Spirit of Enterprise”
    1987-1989 “Women – The Vital Force”
    1985-1987 “Youth Today Leaders Tomorrow”
    1983-1985 “Women in Transition – Strategies for Success: Preparation and Progress”

    1977-1980 “The Challenges to the New Women”
    1974-1977 “Looking Towards the 21st Century Women …Their Full Potential”
    1971-1974 “The Significant Seventies”
    1968-1971 “Human Value in Today’s World”
    1965-1968 “Developing Channels for Cooperation”
    1962-1965 “Road to World-Wide Understanding”
    1959-1962 “Building Bridges between People”
    1950-1959 “The Trained Women – Her contribution to World Affairs”
    1947-1950 “The Art of Living Together”
    1938-1946 “Business and Professional Women and the New Social Order”
    1936-1938 “The Work of Women in the Modern World in Different Spheres of Business, Science, Art and the Professions”

    We collaborate Locally, Nationally and Internationally.