PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS WOMEN

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25737, 24 February 1949, Page 2

PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS WOMEN

The foundation of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women was observed by the Christchurch Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club on Monday evening. Miss L. B. Biship (president) welcomed ' many guests, including representatives of other women’s organisations and several overseas visitors.

In a short address on the history of the international the Dominion president, Miss Daphne Chapman. said that the movement originated in America, where clubs were first formed in 1917. Later the American Federation sponsored goodwill tours of European countries and called a meeting at Geneva, Switzerland, in August, 1930. when the international federation was formed, with an initial membership of five national federations—America. Canada, Austria. Italy, and France. To-day it had branches in 19 countries and was the largest organised body of business and professional women in the world.

Mrs A. M. Newlands, Timaru, a member of the New Zealand delegation to the last meeting of the General Assembly of United Nations, addressed the meeting on “Human Rights,” the theme selected for this years international ceremonies. “If ever there was need for great friendship among women and among nations I think it is to-day,” she said. The world was in a critical state and there was no room for petty criticisms and petty social castes. It was the duty of every woman who had human rights and freedom in her heart to do the best in any way that came to her hand, in any organisation in which she might work. During the, evening the impressive candle-lighting ceremonial was held. Candles were lit and dedicated for each affiliated country.