BPW (Business and Professional Women of Estonia) Estonia – Empowering Women, Elevating Leadership

 

Founded on 11 November 1992, BPW Estonia (Business and Professional Women Estonia) is a non-profit organization dedicated to unlocking the potential of women in professional, business, and leadership roles. Through mentoring, networking, skill-building, advocacy, and dynamic empowerment projects, BPW Estonia actively shapes a future where women lead with confidence, competence, and courage—locally, nationally, and globally.

As part of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International)—established in 1930 in Geneva, Switzerland—BPW Estonia proudly connects to a global network of trailblazing women in over 100 countries. Recognized by the United Nations since 1947 and the Council of Europe since 1977, BPW International stands as a force for change, especially in Europe, home to nearly 20,000 members across 30 countries.

BPW Estonia unites nearly 200 passionate members across eleven clubs, representing diverse regions of the country. These women are innovators, leaders, mentors, and changemakers, committed to building a society where gender equality is not just an ideal but a lived reality.

The organization’s mission is bold and clear:

– Empower women to rise to leadership positions in all areas of society.

– Advocate fiercely for equal opportunities and close the Gender Pay Gap.

– Ignite entrepreneurial spirit among women through targeted initiatives and supportive networks.

Our Founders —visionary women who laid the cornerstone of this movement—include:

Leena Blum, Anne Hallika, Pille Heideman, Karin Juhat, Hille Karm, Liis Klaar, Hilja Kuusk, Maie Oblikas, Riina Kütt, Sirje Küttis, Reet Laja, Katrin Leis, Malle Lind, Maila Mikk, Marge Mägi, Tiiu Ots, Vaike Protten, Helve Remmelgas, Helle Tiismus, Eve Uljas, Virve Viljus, Anne Väin, Ludmilla Tsirel. We proudly honor and continue their legacy.

Traditions that Inspire

A cherished tradition within BPW Estonia is the annual recognition of the Woman of the Year—a tribute to women who have made exceptional contributions to society, both socially and professionally. By celebrating these role models, we underscore the powerful impact of women in shaping Estonia’s future and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Together, we lead. Together, we are in the first row – we are  BPW Estonia.

Traditions

 

It has been a long tradition to elect the Woman of the Year in Estonia and to attribute the title to socially and professionally outstanding women of Estonia; as a result, strengthening the importance of the role active and inspiring women hold in Estonian society. The Women of the Year are highlighted below:

 

The Women of the Year

1993 Daisy Järva – Managing Director of the Tallinntuur Travel Agency

1994 Heidi-Ingrid Maaroos – Professor of Medicine at the University of Tartu

1995 Aino Valgma – Promoter of regional studies and local development

1996 Annely Ojastu – Winner of Paralympic Games

1997 Ivi Eenmaa – Mayor of Tallinn

1998 Liis Klaar – Director of the Foundation of Tallinn Pediatric Hospital at Tallinn office

1999 Tiia Loitme – Conductor of the Girl’s Choir Ellerhein

2000 Zanna Botvinkina – A member of the board of Kehra Pulp and Paper Factory Horizon, Chairwoman of Kehra Town Council

2001 Leida Kikka – Executive Director of Samelin Ltd.

2002 Merike Martinson – Chairman of the Board of the Foundation of Tallinn Pediatric Hospital, currently serves as the Vice Mayor of Tallinn

2003 Birute Klaas – Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Tartu University

2004 Marika Mikelsaar – Professor of the microbiology of Tartu University

2005 Signe Ratso – Director of the Directory of Foreign Trade of the European Commission

2006 Maie Orav – Teacher of folk dance of recognized authority, organizer of the first Folk Dance Festival of men

2007 Anna Levandi – Figure skating coach

2008 Kauksi Ülle – Writer and stage director

2009 Aet Maatee – Manager of Estonian Song and Dance Celebration Foundation

2010 Kristina Šmigun-Vähi – Cross-country skier

2011 Tea Varrak – Founder of two private business schools, Chairman of the Board of Enterprise Estonia

2012 Maike Parve – Chief Physician of Childbirth Center at the Central Hospital of Western-Tallinn

2013 Katri Raik – Director of Tartu University Narva College

2014 Reet Aus – Fashion designer

2015 Marina Kaljurand – Estonian diplomat and currently serves as the Minister for Foreign Affairs

2016 Helve Särgava – Saidafarm OÜ, Vice Manager

2017 Mari-Liis Lill – Actress and Producer

2018 Eva Truuverk – “Let’s Do It”, leader

2019 Emoke Sogenbitz- Industrial leader

2020 Irja Lutsar –  Estonian microbiologist and virologist, professor of medical microbiology and virology at the University of Tartu

2021 Katrina Lehis – Estonian left-handed épée fencer, 2018 individual European champion, 2021 team Olympic champion

2023 Astrid Kannel – Estonian journalist, holder of the Presidential White Star V Class reward

2024 Anna-Kaisa Oidermaa – Founder of Peaasi.ee, clinical psychologist

 


The Women of the Years

1993 Salme Reek – Actress

1997 Marju Lauristin – Professor at the University of Tartu

2007 Ita Ever – Actress

2012 Siiri Oviir – Politician

2015 Ingrid Rüütel – Folklorist and Philologist

2017 Reet Laja – Estonian Women’s Studies and Resource Center, Chairman of the Board

2019 Anu Raud- Textile artist, Academician

2022 Kersti Kaljulaid – President of Estonia in 2016-2021

2024 Reet Linna – Singer, songwriter, editor and TV host

 

Young Woman Entrepreneur

2011  Eva-Maria Õunapuu – Founder of Estonian nature cosmetics brand Joik

2012  Katriin Jüriska – Manager of NGO Re-use Center

2013  Darja Saar – Executive Director of Foundation ENTRUM

2014  Kriss Soonik-Käärmann – Fashion Designer

2015  Kristi Täht – Owner and CEO at Marat OÜ, Qualitex AS, Katarina OÜ

2016  Kristi Saare – Founder of the Women’s Investment Club

2017  Kristel Kruustük – Founder and CEO of Testlio

2018  Ann Runnel- Reverse Resources, Founder

2019  Mari Liis Lind – Tech educator

2020  Marion Teder – CEO at CareMate

2021  Kadri Tuisk – CEO at Clanbeat, impact entrepreneur

2022  Kerli Ats – head of the family company Luigeveski Agro OÜ and CEO of the Central Union of Estonian Farmers

2023 Kee Abel – Founder of the worldwide franchise Beautiful Me

2024 Ilona Tint – Youth worker, entrepreneur, money wisdom enthusiast and enjoyer of life!


 

BPW Estonia organizes an annual hat party every summer. Every year, we support a children’s or women’s organization or institution in Estonia with this event.

In 2023, we supported the activities of the SA Estonian Children’s Fund’s ATH support groups. The hat party took place for the 26th time.

 

BPW Estonia invites everyone throughout April, and especially on Earth Day, April 22nd, to think more about their daily activities in the context of environmental conservation and to make commitments to both themselves and Mother Earth based on environmental and nature preservation.

BPW Estonia Projects and Initiatives

Over the years, BPW Estonia has actively initiated and participated in numerous projects in collaboration with the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Office of Gender Equality, the European Integration Bureau, and the European Union Information Secretariat, as well as with the Coca-Cola Foundation. Through the expertise of its members, BPW Estonia has reached and empowered women not only across Estonia but also in Norway, Finland, Moldova, Georgia, Moscow, Malta, and many other countries around the world. Our members actively participate in European BPW network https://www.bpw-europe.org/.

Women in Business – Green and Caring World

In 2021, BPW Estonia launched the “Women in Business – Green and Caring World” program with the goal of creating and expanding a nationwide network of women entrepreneurs in Estonia. These network members are leaders in sustainable business practices within their communities and society as a whole. The overarching objective is to increase the number of women leading green business initiatives in Estonia.

The program’s initial phase focused on raising awareness about green entrepreneurship. By 2023, the focus shifted to developing practical skills, equipping participants with the knowledge to create environmentally friendly products and services and to establish new green businesses. The program primarily supports small and medium-sized enterprises, providing expert guidance from recognized mentors in the field of sustainability.

As part of this initiative, BPW Estonia developed a Green Entrepreneurship Guide and envisions the rise of competitive green startups from within the network.

This program, originally initiated by the BPW Estonia Tallinn Club, is part of the broader international network BPW International, dedicated to supporting business and professional women globally. Today, the program has expanded across Europe and beyond.

In 2024-2025, the program is supported by: Coca-Cola Foundation, Estonian Business School and Estonian Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (EVEA)

Founder of the program idea: Siiri Tiivits-Puttonen, member of BPW Estonia Green Club, siiri@siromo.ee.

See more: https://roheettevotlus.ee/

Women Support Women – Estonia and Ukraine

In 2023, BPW Estonia launched another impactful initiative titled “Women Support Women – Estonia and Ukraine”, aimed at building connections between Estonian women entrepreneurs and Ukrainian refugee women. The purpose of this program is to help Ukrainian women rebuild their lives and careers in Estonia by fostering a sense of community, offering guidance, and overcoming language and economic challenges.

The project partners with local organizations, social centers, and women’s groups that support Ukrainian refugees. Its primary partner is the NGO Divergent Women, and the project is scheduled to run throughout 2023.

A core part of the initiative is establishing a supportive network between Ukrainian and Estonian women through regular meetings, collaborative events, and mutual encouragement. Over the past year, the program has hosted several webinars led by psychologists to offer emotional and psychological support to Ukrainian women both in Estonia and in Ukraine.

In collaboration with Garage 49, the program is assisting 50 Ukrainian women in launching their own businesses. In total, the project’s network reaches approximately 500 Ukrainian women through various forms of support and engagement.

This project is proudly supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation also in 2025 .

Founder of the program idea: Ester Eomois, member of BPW Estonia Entrepreneurship Club, ester.eomois@ebs.ee.

See more: https://bpw-estonia.ee/naised-toetavad-naisi-eesti-ja-ukraina-2025/

Clubs

 

Tallinn Club
President: Teele Palmre

Tartu Club
President: Katrin Erit

Rannamõisa Club
President: Jolan Henriette Koduvere

Enterpreneurship Club
President: Annely Aer

Pärnu Club
President: Siiri Erala

Võru Club
President: Piret Haljend

Business Club
President: Mari-Liis Kirt

Narva Club
President: Ljubov Fomina

Saaremaa Club
President: Kädi Alt

Green Club
President: Kai Klein

Innovation Club
President: Kaire Luuk

Culture Club
President: Jelena Pazilina

Young
Leader: Jolan Hehnriette Koduvere

Contact

 

President

Merle Saviauk
president@bpw-estonia.ee

Communication

kommunikatsioon@bpw-estonia.ee

Post & Bank

 

MTÜ BPW Estonia, reg no 80036176

Postal address: Ristiku 10, Tallinn, Estonia
E-mail: info@bpw-estonia.ee

Bank: AS SEB Pank
Tornimäe 2, Tallinn, Estonia
BIC/SWIFT: EEUHEE2X
IBAN: EE851010052032732009