President's Update
- secbpwnz
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
As I write this message, I am thinking of the passing of Past BPW International President, Sylvia Perry. Sylvia was our international president from 1996 through to 1999. A woman of vision, courage, and grace. She also previously served within BPW International as Trustee, European Regional Coordinator, Public Relations Officer, Chair of History, Archives and Twinning and representative for Economic Commission and European Women’s Lobby.
More recently, PIP Sylvia was strongly involved in Constitutional matters for BPW International. She was based in the UK and a huge mentor and support of BPW UK. BPW NZ
sends our condolences to all who loved and respected her – another great kauri tree has
Your executive is gearing up for our conference and AGM being held 3-4 May in Auckland.
We have welcomed the registrations of many from our membership and for day two we are
encouraging non-members to join us for an exciting day of speakers across topics that align
with our goals for all women: equality, education, economic empowerment, personal
development, and political awareness. The numbers are increasing daily, and we know it will
be a tremendous success and thoroughly enjoyed by all attending.
Your executive is pleased to be hosting visitors from BPW Taiwan, Australia, Singapore,
American Samoa, and Papua New Guinea. These women are our sisters that swim in our
space – women that several of us have met at regional and international congresses.
Together we work to advance the status of women throughout the world! Does that sound
familiar? It should to all members. Our Alternate International Collect also states, ‘that we
combine our good ideas, our knowledge, and our experience to promote the worth of
women.’ In today’s world environment with anxiety, uncertainty, and especially our
thoughts with those in war torn countries, we realise that our work is important. Also from
the collect: ‘That we combine our strengths to move forward in peace, in serenity and in
love.’
My next message will be after our conference, where we will highlight the award winners,
the special moments, report on resolution outcomes and showcase photos with snippets of
the sessions.
I hope you had a restful Easter and plan to attend ANZAC ceremonies where we
acknowledge those who served and still serve our country.
Ode of Remembrance
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
We will remember them – Lest we forget.
Nga mihi nui - Janet
