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.
A list of countries with BPW clubs or federations is available on the BPW International website. There, you can also find contact information for Club or Federation Presidents and links to local websites for more details.
Together, under the banner of our triennium theme, Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together we Shape a Sustainable Future, we embrace the power of collaboration to foster growth and drive meaningful change. Let us continue to respect and uphold our governance, ensuring that the foundation of integrity and democracy strengthens our joint efforts. Let us also remember the urgent need for peace on Earth for all, especially for women and children, who so often bear the heaviest burdens in times of conflict and hardship.
As we enter a new triennium, let us reaffirm our dedication to building a more inclusive, supportive, and empowered global community.
BPW International includes a Young BPW Representative on its Executive Committee, dedicated to representing the interests of members who are 35 years of age or younger. This is a valuable opportunity for young professionals to have their voices heard and to actively engage in shaping the future of BPW.
BPW Canada also supports the development of young leaders and includes a Young BPW Representative on its national board. If you’re 35 or younger, we encourage you to get involved; your perspective matters, and meaningful leadership pathways are waiting for you.
Izadora Lechacoski, originally from Brazil, brings a dynamic blend of global perspective, academic excellence, and technological innovation to her role as the new Young BPW (YBPW) International Representative. With experiences spanning multiple continents, including Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Izadora exemplifies adaptability, cross-cultural understanding, and a commitment to inclusive leadership.She holds a dual degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Baldwin Wallace University (USA) and FAE Business School (Brazil), graduating summa cum laude. In 2022, she completed a master’s degree in marketing Strategies with a focus on consumer behaviour at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR).
Professionally, Izadora is a leader in customer onboarding at Salvy, a Brazilian tech startup transforming the telecom industry with its telco-as-a-service platform. Passionate about customer experience and strategic innovation, she is also deepening her expertise in data analysis and business intelligence.
Multilingual and highly engaged, Izadora brings creative problem-solving skills, strong communication abilities, and a forward-thinking mindset to the global BPW community. Her leadership reflects BPW’s values of empowerment, equity, and international cooperation.
“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.
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.
Click here for more information on BPWI and ITC.
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.
Dedicated to the memory of Laura Noble.