Largest international businesswomen's organisation in the world launches in South Africa
The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) is a non profit organisation which was founded in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland. The founding member nations included the United States of America, Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain and Italy. BPW International has grown to become the most influential international network of business and professional women with affiliates in 100+ countries on five continents. Our 500 000 members include women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women. The BPW advocacy has been embedded in our United Nations work since our organisation was founded 80 years ago. BPW international is now establishing a branch in Johannesburg, South Africa and offers services to both business and professional women.
BPW Mission
The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) develops the professional, leadership and business potential of women through advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world. Our services are directed at senior women professionals interested in developing their professional competencies and/or growing their business.
Some information about BPW South Africa
BPW South Africa, a registered nonprofit organisation was established by President Toni Gomes and launched by Minister Rob Davies of the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) in July 2011. It was logical for BPW South Africa to approach the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), as the business arm of the South African government, and the department leading women's empowerment in South Africa through the B-BBEE and enterprise development processes, and to work together to achieve the goal of advancing and empowering women in the workplace. We believe that partnerships are a critical success factor in helping us make the transition from awareness of the situation to the implementation o f change. The BPW South Africa priority areas align with and reinforce the UN Women Empowerment Principles.
Successes in Brief
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Launch of Women on Boards programme - the only one of its kind in South Africa, as it is a packaged programme comprising all areas of skills development where others provide one topic at a time.
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It is the only training programme in South Africa certified by the Department of Trade & Industry, and was created specifically to increase the economic empowerment of women in our country.
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An additional 19 expertly trained, highly skilled and previously unknown businesswomen are available for board posts in South Africa
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Launch of Board Potential Women database - a first in South Africa
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Our Women on Boards graduates have already been interviewed by various media, print, radio and online
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Three of South Africa's largest companies have requested more information on certain graduates
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When board vacancies occur at the 14 dti boards, our graduates are first in line for potential placements, dependent upon their particular expertise.
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The programme, which is a rotating one, continues to grow as more women apply each month. A rotating programme allows women to join at any time rather than wait for specific starting times.
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BPW and the dti are chipping away at the unacceptable practice of tokenism as there is no longer an excuse to hire unqualified women onto boards.
Women on Boards Director
Development Programme The dti and BPW South Africa joined forces to design a Women on Boards director development training programme. Upon completion of the programme, graduates are profiled on our "Board Potential Women" database. All women listed in the database are suitable to be considered for company board-level positions and meet a clear set of criteria. Companies make use of this untapped pool of talent for potential board posts and BPW promotes their profiles amongst a larger audience.
Our Women on Boards programme gives women the expertise and exposure needed to be part of the right networks. It is an eight-part program -- strategically placed over the course of 8 months, due to the complexity of the material -- equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to elevate themselves to the C-suite and beyond. In a supportive and highly interactive atmosphere, an impressive roster of top government and corporate experts guide skilled female executives through a rigorous program of intensive classroom instruction, case studies and simulations. Every element of the program is focused on strengthening and broadening the leadership talents of the participants and delivering positive results for their companies and organizations. They improve their understanding of the responsibilities of board membership and develop the skills and strategic insight needed to become a more effective director. They improve their understanding of board governance while heightening their financial literacy and increasing their understanding of relevant legislation. Amongst others, specialist training is also provided by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) with regard to corporate governance and understanding of JSE terminology.