At its Biennial Conventions as well as Annual General Meetings, BPW Canada members occasionally approve Commendations for individuals and/or organizations that support our mission and mandate, and work to help move our agenda forward.

Commendations - 2008

At its 2008 Convention in Winnipeg, BPW Canada members approved a commendation for Louise Arbour, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for her life-long efforts in advocating for human rights, including full gender equality, for the expansion of human rights presence around the world and for being instrumental in doubling the UN High Commissioner's office's annual budget to $100 million.

Commendations – 2007

Grand Master Tae Eun Lee of Ottawa, Ontario, for promoting the development of strong and healthy spirits minds and bodies of women through women’s self-defense classes in the City of Ottawa. In this endeavour they enhance Canadaian society by teaching self defence measures that build confidence of women in their own safety and well-being. BPW Virtual Club’s Crystall Sissons (right photo, right) made the presentation.

Commendations – 2006

The Canadian Women’s Foundation (http://www.cdnwomen.org/) for its initiative in launching an Investment Fund for Girls in 2005, and for its efforts throughout the years in investing in the power of women and the dreams of girls. Founded in 1991, the mandate of the Canadian Women’s Foundation is to raise money and make grants to help stop violence against women and girls, and to build economic independence for women and their children.

Stephen Lewis, former Special Envoy to the United Nations on HIV/AIDS, for his efforts in advocating for the creation of a new UN Agency that would give a greater voice to women of the world. See BPW International page for information on the GEAR campaign, launched at the United Nations in early 2008.

The Canadian Women’s Hockey Team was commended for winning world championships and Olympic medal, for representing Canada with determination, honour and skill on and off the ice, and for being role models for girls and young women, and teaching them to follow their dreams.

Commendations – 2005

Dove Canada for its support of the National Eating Disorder Information Centre and of the Quebec Association for assistance to persons suffering from anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and for its efforts, through its advertising campaign “Campaign for Real Beauty,” to encourage positive self-esteem in women and girls.