Women Entrepreneurs Day or Women's Entrepreneurship Day is annually celebrated on 19th November. This day celebrates and recognizes the role that women plays in the field of entrepreneurship.
Despite the advances made by women entrepreneurs since the Industrial Revolution, gender barriers, societal pressure, access to funding and mentorship, and lack of education still constrain their growth so to address all of these problems this day is celebrated.
Women Entrepreneurs Day is organized by the WEDO (Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization) and recognized by the United Nations and over 120 countries. On this day, pioneering women in various fields are given the WEDO Pioneer Awards.
| Event | Women Entrepreneurs Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 19, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day celebrates and recognizes the role that women plays in the field of entrepreneurship |
| Observed by | World wide |
Women Entrepreneurs Day History:
Women became more involved in the business world only when the idea of women in business became palatable to the general public; however, this does not mean that there were no female entrepreneurs until that time. In the 17th century, Dutch colonists who came to what is now known as New York City, operated under a matriarchal society. In this society, many women inherited money and lands, and through this inheritance, became business owners. During the mid 18th century, it was popular for women to own certain businesses like brothels, alehouses, taverns, and retail shops. Most of these businesses were not perceived with good reputations because it was considered shameful for women to be in these positions.
In the 1900s, due to a more progressive way of thinking, and the rise of feminism, female entrepreneurs began to be a widely accepted term. Although these female entrepreneurs serviced mostly female consumers, they were making great strides. During the Great Depression, some of the opportunities afforded to women took a backseat and society seemed to reverse its views, reverting to more traditional roles. During World War II, many women entered the workforce, filling jobs that men had left behind to serve in the military. Some women, of their own accord, took these jobs as a patriotic duty while others started businesses of their own. Post world war II society have completely changed with women entrepreneurs becoming very common today.
As the 1990s came in, the availability of computers and the increasing popularity of the internet gave a much-needed boost to women in business. This technology allowed them to be more prevalent in the business world and showcase their skills to their competitors. Even with the increased popularity of women in business, the availability of technology and the support from different organizations, female entrepreneurs today are still struggling because of various reasons and to address those reasons only Women Entrepreneurs Day was created!
Women's Entrepreneurship Day was founded and implemented by Pet Pioneer, Animal Fair Media, Founder and Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient Wendy Diamond, after volunteering with the Adelante Foundation who provides microcredit to low income women while in Honduras. Upon her return to the US she decided she wanted to develop something to help this and similar philanthropic causes. The first day was held on November 19, 2014, and was observed in 144 countries that year. Since then, New York City and Los Angeles have declared it an official day, the U.S. House of Representatives has recognized it, and the United Nations observed it.
Women Entrepreneurs Day Significance:
Female entrepreneurship has steadily increased in the world during the 20th and 21st century, with female owned businesses increasing at a rate of 5% ever since 1997. This increase gave rise to wealthy self-made females all across the world. Studies have shown that successful female entrepreneurs start their businesses as a second or third profession. Because of their previous careers, female entrepreneurs enter the business world later on in life, around 40–60 years old. The number of self-employed women has steadily increased over the past three decades, putting them at an approximate thirty-three per cent increase. Many female-owned businesses continue to be home-based operations.
Many studies show that women start their own businesses for a variety of reasons. These reasons include the following: having an idea for a business plan, having a passion for solving a specifically related career problem, wanting to be more in control of their careers, maintaining a more balanced life, having a flexible work schedule, and taking a personal vision and turning it into a lucrative business. Along with the intense desire to see their vision carried out, these women also have a great ability to multi-task and never feared the risks involved in being self-employed.
Even though female entrepreneurship and the formation of female-owned business networks is steadily rising, there are a number of challenges and obstacles that female entrepreneurs face. One major challenge for female entrepreneurs faces traditional gender roles that are structurally internalized by society. Entrepreneurship is still considered as a male-dominated field, and it may be difficult to surpass these conventional views. Other than dealing with the dominant stereotype, female entrepreneurs are facing several obstacles related to their businesses.
In this male-dominated world, women must overcome challenges and obstacles daily to ensure the survival and growth of their businesses. On this day we appreciate these women for their efforts and contribution to the nation's economy. So on this day various programs are organized by the W.E.D.O. with motive to help women entrepreneurs all across the world in overcoming the challenges in business. This day gives platform to many organizations working towards women empowerment especially towards the business field.
Women Entrepreneurs Day Theme:
The Women Entrepreneurs Day 2022 is being celebrated with the social media campaign of #ChooseWOMEN.
This is the social media campaign which ignites and activates the consumers to support in business worldwide! This theme encourages people to specially use products and services given by female entrepreneurs as a way to support them.
It also encourages people to support female entrepreneurs in some other ways as well other than being as consumers only. Like to invest in their businesses or helping on promotion of their business, etc.
Most Searched FAQs on Women Entrepreneurs Day:
1. When is Women Entrepreneurs Day celebrated?
Women Entrepreneurs Day is annually celebrated on 19th November.
2. What is the importance of women entrepreneurs?
Women are a crucial part of entrepreneurship and will continue to lead change for years down the lane. Owing to their ingenuity, they bring with them economic growth, innovation, creativity, and productivity. They also inspire other women and individuals to become business owners and be financially independent.
3. When was the first Women Entrepreneurs Day held?
The first Women Entrepreneurs Day was held in 2014.