BPW's Mission: BPW develops the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill-building, and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world.
The Business and Professional Women Ontario (BPW Ontario) is a non-sectarian, non-profit, non-partisan feminist organization which promotes the interests of working women. It operates within the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada) towards the improvement of the status of women in all phases of society, especially in business, the professions and industry.
BPW Ontario an association of “BPW” clubs across Ontario. Members have a wide range of work and educational experience. We are part of a national and international association of business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women everywhere.
Ontario clubs have regular monthly dinner meetings with guest speakers who inspire and motivate us to fulfil our mandate and our passions.
Members pay local annual dues, a small portion of which stays at the local club level; the majority goes to BPW Provincial, National and International to represent women in Canada as well as internationally or at United Nations’ events, giving BPW a voice on the world stage.
BPW develops leadership skills and advocates for women by bringing guest speakers to our monthly meetings who help us identify where the gaps in legislation and social practices exist or provide us with an insight into a particular situation.
Our focus on business leadership skills is a great opportunity to learn from women in positions of influence to learn more about current practices in many areas of Ontario business and the professions.
We advocate for women by meeting each year at Conference to debate resolutions put forward by Ontario clubs. We then present our Resolutions Brief to the Premier of Ontario and other Ministers.
Clubs have active Advocacy or Resolutions Committees, helping BPW Ontario formulate policy and lobby on such issues as retention of women in skilled trades, reduction of poverty and homelessness, and many more policies. We also have a commendation process through which we applaud the efforts of governments, individuals and other associations with similar mandates.
At BPW we encourage community involvement and partnering with other women's organizations to promote our goals, network, and develop professionally.
BPW members participate in community events with other women's groups. The result is the happy expansion of our local network! We have invited Government Ministers and Candidates to speak.
Clubs across Ontario have assisted in events such as Walk of Hope for Ovarian Cancer and hold annual events such as golf tournaments and silent auctions to raise funds for local charities such as Women’s Shelters. Some clubs also have local college Bursary Funds for women in non-traditional occupations is supported through annual fundraising events initiated by clubs.
Fun relationships with each other are key components of the clubs. Many clubs have several social groups including golfing, walking, movies, book clubs and more! These diverse facets to BPW allow members to choose a part that meets their interests. We are all busy but it's important to have fun too!
We encourage all working women to find their local club or start one in your area, come out to a dinner meeting, learn about BPW, and join us, get involved and make a difference!
BPW Ontario receives no funding from any government or agency. It operates on a budget supported solely by membership fees, fund-raising activities and donations.
If you are interested in joining BPW, contact a club near you or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
