This day is a global movement that shines a spotlight on the entrepreneurial spirit of women, their achievements, and the challenges they face. It’s a day to encourage dialogue, share success stories, and provide resources for women who aspire to be entrepreneurs.
Whether it’s a small home-based business or a large corporation, women entrepreneurs are making a significant impact across various industries while often navigating the public eye. They’re breaking barriers, developing innovative solutions, and driving economic growth and job creation. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day honors their success stories, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and the vital role they play in our society.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
With a global perspective on the advancement of women’s economic roles, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) stepped onto the international stage in 2014. The brainchild of social entrepreneur and humanitarian, Wendy Diamond, WED sprouted from the need to commend the undervalued economic potential of women.
The United Nations took notice and immediately supported the endeavour. This strategic partnership led to the official declaration of WED, observed on November 19 each year.
The inaugural event took place at the UN headquarters in New York City. Over 144 countries joined the first event, representing the widespread international support for women’s entrepreneurship.
Focusing on three core objectives:
- Empower: Assist women in business to become active participants of the economy
- Celebrate: Appreciate the significant contributions of women entrepreneurs
- Support: Provide potential resources and a dynamic network for aspiring and established women entrepreneurs
WED effectively emphasised the importance of women’s involvement in business.
Over the years, the observance has turned into a movement that fosters meaningful conversations on challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. It also seeks to boost awareness on the role of policy in tackling these concerns and ensuring fairer access to essential resources.
Importance of Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs
Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day isn’t merely a token observance. It shines a spotlight on the substantial impact women have in business. From small-scale solo enterprises to global corporations, their contributions are hugely significant and make them key players in today’s economic narrative.
A look at the global landscape reveals a compelling pattern. The number of women-owned businesses surged by 21% in the period between 2014 and 2019, outperforming the 9% increase for all businesses. This isn’t just a show of resolve, it’s also evidence of the immense potential. Efficient badge printing solutions for events can support these entrepreneurial achievements by streamlining networking and recognition at professional gatherings.
The observance of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is, thus, much more than a global celebration. It’s an opportunity for the world to recognize the multitude of talented women who’ve broken the barriers to chart their unique entrepreneurial paths. These women don’t just carry forward a story of success; they’re a beacon of possibility.
Global Impact of Women in Business
Women entrepreneurs have always made impressive strides in the business world. Their impact is substantial and felt worldwide. In fact, the number of women-owned businesses rose from 29% to 40% between 2014 and 2019. This surge reflects a shift towards a more equally represented entrepreneurial environment.
Despite this progress, women still face unique challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys. From inadequate access to capital to societal prejudices, the path is often tangled. Yet, these obstacles have not deterred women from making their mark in business.
Their subsidiary role isn’t insignificant. Women-owned businesses have helped shape the global economy. They’ve contributed to job creation and economic diversity. A report by the American Express states that women-owned businesses employ 9 million people.
However, their impact goes beyond numerical data. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day recognizes more than their economic influence. It acknowledges their ability to inspire and foster inclusivity. Today, women entrepreneurs serve as role models, teaching us about resilience in face of adversity. They prove that gender doesn’t limit one’s capabilities.
