WOMEN CREATING JOBS THEIR WAY

 

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The phrase 'Women in Business' covers the participation of women in leadership roles in commerce and the corporate world. Since 1940s, the role of women in the world of business has increased, and today, women have practically equal footing to men in business . We can now see a large number of female company owners and bosses.

In order to celebrate these accomplishments of business women and for honoring the increasing role that women have to play in the world of business today, every year September 22nd is recognized as BUSINESS WOMEN'S DAY.

 

September 22, 1949 marked the foundation of the American Business Women's Association, with a mission "to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition".

 The first ever Business Women’s Day was celebrated in 1983 when a joint Congressional resolution was passed.

 

In order to understand more about Business Women's Day and its importance, let us first understand more about Women In Business.

Imagine hearing the phrase 'Business Leader'. What image comes to your mind?

Is it a man wearing a suit?

No wonder our culture still equates masculine traits with leadership qualities while teaching and such professions are still considered better and safer for women.

 

Let's look at the root causes for the same 

HISTORY OF WOMEN IN BUSINESS 

Throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries, women went into business only after inheriting them from their husband. As societal norms started to shift throughout the 20th century, women took on a more active role in entrepreneurial endeavors. During  World War II , women joined the workforce in larger numbers giving way to “female entrepreneurship." Women then started inventing things and creating their own businesses. Female entrepreneurs boomed during this period, generating income from a wide range of home-based businesses .

 

CHALLENGES FACED BY BUSINESS WOMEN 

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Women-owned businesses are still in the minority, and the hurdles faced by women who have embraced entrepreneurship are vast and often very different and complex as compared to those experienced by males. Across several reports and surveys, access to capital consistently ranks among the top challenges countered by women in business. This makes it difficult for the women to hire staff, rent office space and set reasonable hours. The other challenges include balancing business and family life , the struggle to be taken seriously in a male dominated industry, coping with the fear of failure etc.

 

All this shows us the importance of celebrating a day such as Business Women's Day.

This special day along with celebrating the contribution that women make in the business world,  focuses on ways to give women more equality.

It brings to light those contributions made by women both known and not well known, who often do not get credit in day-to-day life for their contributions and accomplishments. The day also brings together businesswomen of diverse occupations to collaborate and network. The opportunity provides insight into platforms and inspirational ways for women to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally. Workshops and seminars offer leadership, education, networking, and national recognition. Celebrating this day also helps in setting examples for young women driven to become leaders themselves. Generation after generation pave the way for new and inspiring professionals. This day honors each and every one.

 

Situations are changing and the status of women in the world of business is also improving but we should also do our part and celebrate this day in order to motivate more women.

 We can give a shoutout to a businesswoman we know. Attend a seminar, workshop, Ted Talk, or other resources to increase our business knowledge. Sponsor a leadership conference or speak at a local school. Attend a career fair and offer your expertise as a businesswoman to aspiring youth.

 Support businesswomen in your area, whether they’re experienced or just starting out. Join forces with other business leaders and create a positive environment for women in business. Women have the ability to open doors for other women. You may not think that you have reached a position in your own career whereby you are able to mentor other women, but there is almost always someone who is one step behind you and could do with your help and assistance.

 

Also, you don’t need to be a woman in order to honor Business Women’s Day. In fact, men should be embracing this date with the same enthusiasm as women should. Supporting females in business is one of the best things that you can do in order to celebrate Business Women’s Day. It is important to promote women in the workplace, as well as actively seeking more female candidates for every position that you have open in the future. You can also award women by buying from businesses that are owned by females. There are many different ways that you can support women in the business world, and this is something that we should not only be encouraging on Business Women’s Day, but every day going forward.

Let's just pledge to help in any way possible and don't forget to honor and motivate WOMEN IN BUSINESS not just on 22nd September but every other day.

By- Mrigakshi

                          Member, WIB Club