Business and Professional Women keep flame alive

CANDLE LIGHTING: Gisborne BPW honorary life member Kath Kitchen lights a candle to represent the members and countries that have BPW affiliation. Picture supplied

THE Gisborne branch of Business and Professional Women (BPW) celebrated its annual candle-lighting ceremony this week.

Members lit coloured candles, displayed on a decorated table, to represent the members and countries that have BPW affiliation.

BPW Gisborne president Sherryll Markie-Brookes said this was an annual event started more than 80 years ago by BPW’s founding member Dr Lena Maddison Phillips, to unite the spirit of all women across the globe.

Honorary life member Kath Kitchen read the international president’s report, highlighting the need ‘‘to be strong, united and determined’’ in a time of political and social unrest.

New Zealand president Hellen Swales said in her report read by executive member Allison Crosswell that globally it was recognised leadership was the best way to empower women.

Internationally, BPW is in its 87th year of existence, with more than 100 countries represented.

BPW works locally, nationally and internationally for gender equality in all areas of life and to increase the status of women in business and professional life.

BPW is a powerful voice on government issues, with current interest highlighted in the areas of pay equity and domestic violence.

Gisborne BPW meets on the first Tuesday of the month, for a dinner meeting followed by a speaker.

Business and professional women enjoy meeting to encourage and inspire one another in a harmonious environment.