The Foundation of a Legacy
While mobilizing for World War I, the U.S. Government recognized the need for a cohesive group to coordinate identification of women’s available skills and experience. A Women’s War Council, financed through a federal grant, was established by the War Department to organize the resources of professional women. The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs was founded on July 15, 1919.
Throughout the years, three major issues shaped the BPW’s legislative agenda:
- elimination of sex discrimination in employment
- the principle of equal pay, and
- the need for a comprehensive equal rights amendment
1920’s
“BPW Goodwill Tour” of Europe initiated the founding of the International BPW Federation. With the theme, “Better Business Women for a Better Business World,” National Business Women’s Week was established to celebrate and dramatize the contribution of women to the country.
Women celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment granting them the right to vote: August 26, 1920.
1950’s
The national executive office relocated from New York to Washington, as BPW became more active in legislative issues. The BPW Foundation was incorporated in 1956, creating a branch to provide research information, career development programs, and scholarships to disadvantaged women, workshops and other training opportunities. The Marguerite Rawalt Resource Center opened, becoming a major resource on the history of women and women in the workplace.
1960’s
The establishment of “Status of Women” commissions in the U.S. in 1963 was due largely to BPW efforts. BPW president Dr. Minnie Miles watched as President John F. Kennedy signed the 1963 Equal Pay Act into Law. President Kennedy recognized BPW’s leading role in securing passage of the Equal Pay Act by giving BPW’s National President the first pen he used when signing the Act into Law. Virginia Allan Young initiated the “Young Careerist” Program to develop the business and presentation skills of young women between 25-35 years of age. The first National Legislative Conference, held in 1963 in D.C., later developed into BPW’s current Policy & Action Conference, where members lobby Congress and the Administration on BPW’s legislative issues.
For a full timeline with historical documents, click here.
