Every February, BPW Clubs across more than 100 countries and five continents come together for the Candle Lighting Ceremony. This powerful tradition honours our international unity and shared commitment to empowering women.
First introduced by BPW founder Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, the Candle Lighting Ceremony symbolizes our global connection. Each candle lit represents a country, a federation, or an individual member, affirming that although we speak different languages and live in diverse cultures, we are united in purpose.
This moving tribute honours our rich history, celebrates our ongoing achievements, and reaffirms our collective commitment to advancing women’s equality, leadership, and economic independence worldwide.
“At Congress 2014 a resolution for the renewal of the BPW International Committees, Taskforces and Projects was adopted. A final proposition will be submitted at Congress 2020. During the PILOT phase (2014-2020) new tools such as the “BPW International Member Projects and Experts” were established. Projects which are recognized by BPW International provide the leaders with more visibility and importance.
Amany Asfour, BPW International President (2017 – 2020): “It gives me a great pleasure and honor to launch the BPW International Projects Booklet that includes BPW affiliates projects showing the contribution of the BPW affiliates to the Global Agenda of the World of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also shows our contribution to the Sustainable Development of our BPW International organization.“
Click here to visit the Projects’ website.
Daniela Rigrassi, a member of BPW Switzerland and an administrator for BPW International Pilot’s Program on projects (2014-2020), provides an overview of projects and how you can register your own as part of this program. Click https://form.jotform.com/250572780858064
Click here to view the activities and information with respect to areas of work SGD goals, Beijing +30, CEDAW, CSW intersectional work and policies for resolutions and activities
BPW International has several Taskforces chaired by BPW members across the globe. Click here to view a list of BPW International’s Taskforces.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It enables SMEs in developing and transition economies to become more competitive and connect to international markets for trade and investment, thus raising incomes and creating job opportunities, especially for women, young people, and poor communities. Established in 1964, the International Trade Centre, is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations.
BPW International collaborates with ITC to promote “SheTrades” to create greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs and encourage BPW members to register, connect and trade with women-owned businesses.
SheTrades Global Initiative
Click here for more information on BPWI and ITC.
BPW Canada is a member of the North American and Caribbean Region of BPW International.
Karin Gorgerat, Canada
BPW International Regional Coordinator: 2024-2027
North America and the Caribbean Region
[email protected]
Karin Gorgerat currently serves as the North American and Caribbean (NAC) Regional Coordinator for BPW International (2024–2027). A dedicated and long-serving member of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada), she has served as Past President of BPW Canada and held various national leadership roles over the past 14 years. Karin is a long-standing member of the BPW Hastings and Prince Edward Club (formerly BPW Trenton & District), where her involvement spans more than 30 years, including a term as President of BPW Ontario.
Karin has represented BPW Canada on the global stage as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York, advocating for gender equity and the advancement of women.
Professionally, Karin retired after a successful 43-year career with BMO Bank of Montreal, where she served as a regional sales manager. In this role, she led large teams, mentored numerous branch managers, and was recognized for her collaborative leadership style.
Today, she continues to support economic development and women’s empowerment as the Director of Trenval Business Development Corporation. This federally funded Community Futures organization provides loans and resources to small businesses in the Belleville, Ontario region. Karin also serves as the Director of Women’s W.O.R.K., a charitable organization that funds educational seminars hosted by BPW clubs across Canada.
Through her extensive professional and volunteer experience, Karin exemplifies principled leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to building opportunities for women locally, nationally, and internationally.
Bryn Norrie, NFBPWC
BPW North American and the Caribbean
Young BPW: 2024-2027
[email protected]
BPW International executive includes a Young BPW Representative who represents the interests of those under 35 years of age. If you’re 35 or younger, this may be of great interest to you. Visit BPW International’s Young BPW Web.
The Most Important Network
Under the emblem of the United Nations, BPW Representatives work
for different committees and organizations.
Dedicated to the memory of Laura Noble.