Page 35 - BPW UK ANNUAL REVIEW 2021-2022 - PART I and II

On a more serious note Janice Alexander shared her involvement in the Girl Child initi-
atives and what is going on at BPW International/BPW Europe and the recognition they are
receiving for their introduction of the New Charter of the Girl’s Rights in many European
countries. We also discussed Violence against Women and all the dreadful headlines during
this last year. Covid restrictions have certainly impacted women severely. We’ve been in con-
tact with Nextlink, our local organization that supports women’s refuges in both Bristol and
South Gloucestershire. Sylvia Perry and Jo Kinsey collected and collated items for further Red
Boxes and Nextlink arranged to pick them up.

With Covid restrictions easing it was lovely to be able to meet face to face for a Christ-
mas lunch in December at Haywards. Our Christmas celebrations continued on Zoom where
we had a light-hearted quiz testing people’s knowledge about Christmas. Sue Brown was a
well-deserved winner having spent time to research the answers!

Finally, I wanted to share something that struck me earlier this year when I attended a
BPW International Leadership seminar via Zoom. We were given practical advice and sugges-
tions on how to attract new and retain members which was very useful. One of the key mes-
sages I’ve taken away from that session is that women out there still need our support and
encouragement as business and women in professional life often feel isolated, under pressure
and lacking in self confidence. Sad though that makes me it also gives me confidence that
BPW still has a role to play in women’s lives - we just need to make them aware of what we
offer.

Here’s to continuing to Being Positive Women in 2022!■

Sue Holtom

Area Co-ordinator
BPW UK Treasurer

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