The Annual BPW International Candle Lighting and celebration of International Women’s Day is a highlight on the BPW calendar in more than 100 countries worldwide.

With a shared vision for gender equality, BPW women globally share a meal and light candles to illuminate the achievements and challenges faced by women in a celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

This year’s guest speaker for the ceremony is Paola Magni – forensic scientist, Red Shoes Australia Ambassador and WA 2024 Australian of the Year finalist.

About Paola Magni

Paola Magni, a.k.a. Australia’s ‘bug whisperer’, is the global face of the specialist forensic science that uses insects and other small creatures to help solve murders, suspicious deaths and cold cases.  Not only is her expertise relied on by law enforcement agencies and crime scene investigators around the world, but Italian-born Paola is also unravelling the mysteries behind bugs in a way we can all understand.

One of her top priorities, however, is nurturing the next generation of scientists, encouraging young women to follow their dreams of smashing the stereotypes and forging new frontiers.   Wife, mother to two daughters under the age of six, career scientist, podcaster, guest lecturer and media commentator, Paola has never been afraid to prove that women can – and should – have it all.