Who We Are

Monroe-West Monroe BPW is a community of women working to end gender inequality. Our members share an interest in the issues that affect women in northeast Louisiana and around the world.

Gender equality is a basic human right, and its achievement brings socio-economic benefits to everyone. By empowering women, the broader community thrives, increasing positive productivity and growth.

However, gender inequalities are still deeply entrenched in every society. From access to decent work, health care and education to occupational segregation and the growing gender wage gap, women in all parts of the world suffer violence and discrimination. And we’re significantly under-represented in political, social and economic decision-making processes in almost every country in the world.

Women Working Together

Our organization focuses on issues that affect women and work such as equal pay, childcare, support for military families, scholarships for non-traditional women. We also partner with other organizations on projects including National Business Women Week and Military Appreciation Day.

Through our meetings and events, newsletters, personal and professional development programs and other initiatives, we connect and empower women who aspire to do more. Our community includes women in a variety of women influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women. Our members range in age from 18 – 80, come from all industries, with many areas of expertise and experience.

We Make Gender Matter

Our members have the opportunity to influence government decisions on issues important to women by lobbying for legislative change, developing their own skills and experience in the process. We take action to achieve women’s equality in social, economic, community and political terms.

We Help Women Achieve

Our focus is on leadership, advocacy, and personal and professional development.

• Leadership

We encourage our members to take advantage of the leadership opportunities in our local organization as well as statewide, nationally and internationally. We also provide support and skills development for women seeking leadership positions in the workplace and in our communities.

• Advocacy

We advocate for all working women both employers and employees. We have lobbied on Paid Maternity Leave, Equal Pay, childcare issues and taxation reviews.

• Personal Development

We offer a secure environment for women to learn from one another, though mentoring as well as collaborative projects. We also host guest speakers and run seminars for business and professional development.

• Professional Development

We enable women to develop strong networks locally and nationally, as well as taking advantage of our international connections. Our members share similar goals and challenges and can rely on our community of like-minded women for encouragement, support and inspiration.