How does your organisation connect with WiFA?
The Hong Kong Association of Business and Professional Women (BPWHK) is a partner organization with WiFA. We collaborate on many exciting projects, such as BPWHK 1-1-1 Social Innovation Mentorship Program, where we have WiFA members as mentors in our participating teams, and our recent letter to the HKSAR government to address the need for family-friendly working arrangements during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Why and how do you support WiFA’s mission of empowering women to achieve their full professional potential as BPWHK ExCo and leaders?
We at BPWHK are all about female empowerment! We are an affiliate of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International), a global organization committed to networking among and empowering women worldwide, with branches in over 100 countries, established back in 1930. Like WiFA, we serve as a platform for professional business women on all levels to achieve their full potential through advocacy, mentoring and skills building.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in this area?
As a global organization that has held consultative status to the United Nations since 1947, we have been at the forefront of the movement for women’s rights and are proud of our legacy. Our US chapter was involved in drafting the first bill to allow women to vote. In Hong Kong, we have advocated for extended maternity and paternity leave and better child-care services to support working parents in Hong Kong.
Tell us one thing that is important for #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture.
We believe in nurturing girls to understand the concept of gender equality and self confidence at a young age will change the construct of our society in the future. This is why we are developing a four-part lesson for Hong Kong local primary schools to instill this concept in the hope of creating Generation Equality. For our members, we provide regular developmental tools and inspiring discussions to achieve a deeper reflection of their own self awareness. This year’s BPWHK theme is “Self Love = Self Empowerment.” We recently hosted a webinar on empathy and gratitude leadership, which was very well attended. We need to realize that women in any role, be it leadership or a stay-at-home mum, should be respected the same way as any other role that any gender holds.
What advice would you give to women who want to advance their career?
Know your worth and carry this with confidence everywhere.