National Business Women's Week

 -- National Business Women’s Week® provides an opportunity to recognize and highlight the progress women have made as professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs. During this week BPW facilitates discussions on the needs of working women, shares information about successful workplace policies, and raises awareness of the resources available for working women.

To honor the contributions of working women and employers who support working women and their families, BPW celebrates National Business Women’s Week (NBWW) during the third week of October.

Traditionally the President of the United States begins the week with an official proclamation that is followed by similar messages from governors and mayors throughout the country. BPW clubs use this week to publicize their activities, attract new members, and underline the BPW’s goal of elevating the standards for all working women. 

The celebration of National Business Women’s Week has helped to promote leadership roles for women and to increase opportunities for our advancement professionally and personally.

NBWW is a great opportunity to recognize and highlight the progress women have made as business owners and entrepreneurs. NBWW also provides an opportunity facilitate discussions on the needs of working women, share information about successful workplace policies, and raise awareness of the resources available for working women in their communities.

History of National Business Women's Week

The concept of National Business Women’s Week originated with Emma Dot Partridge, Executive Secretary of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs from 1924 to 1927. 

The first annual observance of NBWW was held April 15-22, 1928, when National President Lena Madesin Phillips opened the week with a nationally broadcast speech. She stated that the purpose of the week was “to focus public attention upon a better business woman for a better business world.” From this early effort, NBWW has grown into a nationwide salute to all workingwomen.

In 1932 U.S. President Herbert Hoover was the first president to issue a letter recognizing NBWW and the contributions and achievements of workingwomen. And, in 1938, NBWW was moved to the third full week of October.

The program for the first observance of NBWW in 1928 included:

• Legislative Day devoted to national, state and local legislation of interest to women
• Education Day devoted to emphasizing the need for equitable educational opportunities
• Club Rally Day for prospective new members
• Community Day honoring leaders in the community
• Goodwill Day devoted to working with other women’s organizations.