International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International)
Website: http://www.bpw-international.org/
Category: Women's
Year of Foundation: 1930
Location of Foundation: Geneva, Switzerland
Location of Headquarters: Horsham, UK
Brief Description: The International Federation of Business and Professional Women describes itself as an organization that 'develops the professional, leadership and business potential of women on all levels through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world.' (Source: www.bpw-international.org; accessed 19 April 2010).
Founding Rationales:
At the First International Conference of Business and Professional Women held in Geneva in September 1930, the 'Benefits to be Derived from an International Federation' discussed included 'cooperation among members; the interchange of professional services, courtesies and educational opportunities; the interchange of speakers, artists and work; the interchange of publicity; national and international centres of information and comparative methods and technique in professions, business and the home.'
Source: 'Report of the First International Conference of Business and Professional Women, Geneva, Switzerland, August 23-26, 1930', p. 7.
Evolution of Membership (countries with national federations):
Source: YIO