Businesslike: BPW Geelong’s Jenny Gretgrix, Pauline Killen, Belinda Lyle and Marilyn Bickerdike.
By John Van Klaveren
GENDER means a lot to the members of BPW Geelong.
In fact, it’s right at the top of their agenda.
Business and Professional Women Geelong is going about the job of demonstrating that females mean business.
President Jenny Gretgrix said women owned and operated a third of small businesses.
“Many women became small business owners because after motherhood they often found they did not fit back into the standard working environment,” Jenny said.
“So they look for an alternative offering flexible work arrangements, local employment opportunities and are family friendly.
“Plus, small businesses employ significant numbers of women and they’re looking for professional and individual support.
“That’s what we’re about: offering women a networking opportunity as well as professional development.”
BPW’s Belinda Lyle said she, like many Geelong women, joined initially to network.
“But then women find there’s a lot more to it. They get involved in our advocacy work with issues like equal pay, work-life balance and paid parental leave.
“It enables women to be more politically aware and active and informed about the issues so they can form a view.”
Belinda said business memberships were increasing as owners sought to offer female staff the opportunity to attend and expand their horizons.
BPW hosts a number of events including a monthly dinner meeting and its annual Moving On Up breakfast.
“We have up to 400 coming along to the breakfast now. Many men come along too,” Jenny added with a smile.
Membership officer Di Nelson said a broader range of women was joining the organisation.
“BPW was perhaps somewhat old fashioned a few years ago but we have a new team who have modernised the organisation,” Di said.
“We aim to be responsive to member needs, put up topics that are relevant, practical and applied to real situations women encounter in business and professional life.”
Di said BPW engaged a suite of interesting speakers who added to women’s lives, professionally and personally.
More information is available by emailing bpwgeelong@gmail.com, visiting bpw.com.au/geelong or phoning 5278 1842.
