The Annual BPW International Candle Lighting and celebration of International Women's Day is a highlight on the BPW calendar in more than 100 countries world-wide. With a shared vision for gender equality, BPW women globally share a meal and light candles to illuminate the achievements and challenges faced by women in a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

International Women's Day has for more than 100 years marked a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organisation specific.

About our 2024 Guest Speaker:

Paola Magni, a.k.a. Australia’s ‘bug whisperer’, is the global face of the specialist forensic science that uses insects and other small creatures to help solve murders, suspicious deaths and cold cases. Not only is her expertise relied on by law enforcement agencies and crime scene investigators around the world, but Italian-born Paola is also unravelling the mysteries behind bugs in a way we can all understand.

One of her top priorities, however, is nurturing the next generation of scientists, encouraging young women to follow their dreams of smashing the stereotypes and forging new frontiers. Wife, mother to two daughters under the age of six, career scientist, podcaster, guest lecturer and media commentator, Paola has never been afraid to prove that women can – and should – have it all.

About Business & Professional Women Western Australia
A great networking opportunity for local women. The BPW membership represents a wide range of professions and local business owners. There is a strong focus on personal and professional development at regular dinner meeting and skill-building workshops are held on topics of interest. The group also provides opportunities for members to showcase their business services to other members and guests. BPW WA is affiliated with BPW International and members share travels around the world. The primary aim for BPW is gender equality to ensure women have equal opportunities to enjoy economic independence. www.bpw.com.au/wa