Page 22 - BPW UK AGM Conference 2024 Programme_FINAL

Letters from our Sisters

Dear BPW Members of the United Kingdom,

Your upcoming National General Assemby incorporates the challenging theme
«Women Flying High». This title can be interpreted as a statement that women climb
to great heights, and they do. But it can also be understood as a challenge to aim

high. Do you rember those moments when we were young and had the impression that
anything was possible?

You did aim high with the initiative to send an RV to the war-ridden country of
Ukraine. What did it take to achieve this ? An idea, the initiative to overcome all the
formal obstacles and collaboration on international, national and local levels. Also the
help of the former RC of Europe, Amélie Leclerc, was crucial. This example shows us
that if we cooperate in sisterhood, have the will to overcome any obstacles, we are
flying high and create new, fruitful actions through cooperation.

At the end of last year, BPW International concluded a global MoU with UN-Women in
New York to create inclusive business incubators for small and medium businesses

led by women. You might be thinking: «Oh, again another Memorandum of
Understanding». It is much more than that. After nine months of preparation to
conclude and sign this MoU, we already now have Clubs and Federations in 13
countries in Africa who are interested in starting this project. In three countries
projects are already on the point of being implemented and started. If we succeed,
BPW International will open a new chapter in its history in accordance with the
triennial theme «New Actions through Cooperation».

I wish I could be with you in Bristol. As the AGM takes place at the same time as the
Commission on Status of Women and, as many stakeholders will be in New York, I will

have to spend my time attending many meetings there to advance the MoU. Hopefully,
I will come next year as Past International President.

May the General Assembly be inspiring for you all, may it support you to fly high and to
achieve the impossible. Cooperation in sisterhood, without envy or jealousy, will be
the key to supporting your ambitious targets.

In this sense, I wish you a successful meeting, joyful moments with your colleagues
and a great satisfaction in celebratingwhat you have already accomplished.

Warmest regards,

IP Dr. Catherine Bosshart,

President of BPW International 2021-2024