Women's Entrepreneurship Day is annually celebrated on 19th November worldwide. This day celebrates and recognizes the contribution of women in the field of entrepreneurship.
This day also aims to encourage more women towards the field of entrepreneurship as still many women tries to avoid the field of business!
Women's Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is a day on which the work of women entrepreneurs is observed and discussed, held every day of each year. The inaugural event was held in New York City at the United Nations, with additional events being held simultaneously in several other countries.
| Event | Women's Entrepreneurship Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 19, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day recognize and celebrates the contribution of women in the field of entrepreneurship |
| Observed by | World wide |
Women's Entrepreneurship Day History:
The first female-owned business in the United States is recorded in 1739 when Eliza Lucas Pinckney took over her family's plantations in South Carolina when she was 16 years old. In the 18th and 19th centuries, women operated small businesses attained from inheritance or to supplement their income. In many cases, they were trying to avoid poverty or were replacing the income from the loss of a spouse. At that time, the ventures that these women undertook were not thought of as entrepreneurial. Many of them had to focus on their domestic responsibilities.
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. 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. During the 18th and 19th centuries, more women came out from under the oppression of society's limits, and began to emerge into the public eye.
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 celebrated it!
Women's Entrepreneurship Day Significance:
Entrepreneurs are some of society's most radical and profound members and for good reason. They contribute to our ever-increasing standards of living and help ensure the economy continues to grow. While growing their business, they help themselves meet their goals, they help everyone else, too. In recent years, women have become more and more interested and involved in entrepreneurship. While they have proven themselves to be successful proprietors, there is still so much more progress to be made and opportunities to be sought in this field for women.
Today, more women are starting new businesses than ever before, and the outcome has shown an economic improvement on both smaller and larger scales. It is also very important for overall growth and development as when women can achieve success, everyone benefits. As a result, jobs are created, and the economy is stimulated through both increased revenue and reinvested dollars. In addition, women are much more likely to reinvest the money they earn, which helps the local economy running. Hence women are encouraged on this day to take a part in this development and growth of our world.
Although 42% of businesses today are women-owned, disparities still exist. These disparities are stunting the amount of economic growth that is truly possible. If these gaps were to be closed, more people could be hired, incomes could increase, new services could be offered, and more products and goods could be sold. When everyone works together to eliminate barriers to success, it's a win-win situation for both business owners and society as a whole. If women-owned businesses can generate trillions of dollars of revenue even as these disparities prevail, imagine what the result would be if they no longer existed. This only shows us that economic growth is still at the starting line.
Women's Entrepreneurship Day directly empowers women by letting them know their work is valued and appreciated. Sometimes it just takes simple acknowledgment to motivate people. This day sets the tone that women can equally contribute to the growth of a country and breaks gender stereotypes. It also gives them a platform so that they can raise their voice towards the challenges which they are facing in their businesses. W.E.D.O. tries to help such women who are struggling with their businesses on this day.
Women's Entrepreneurship Day Celebrations:
On the occasion of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, Pioneer Awards are distributed by W.E.D.O to those women who have contributed greatly in the society through their entrepreneurship. In addition to the annual events, WED founded and initiated a Global Ambassador Initiative, in order to develop WED communities on university campuses. It also runs the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Fellows Program.
You can use this opportunity to host your own event also just gather some women from the community and celebrate them at an event where they are honored and told how great they are! Perhaps make it an appreciation event and a charity drive at the same time, to honor the women who have been successful entrepreneurs and, at the same time, make a way for the women who are in need of opportunities to be in business for themselves in the future.
Do you have a female entrepreneur in your friend circle or family? Use social media to promote their business. Help them grow, especially if it is a small business. Another thing which you cam do is that whenever you need to purchase an item, check whether a small woman-owned business sells it. You will be contributing your bit to the success of a woman entrepreneur.
Women's Entrepreneurship 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.
Most Searched FAQs on Women's Entrepreneurship Day:
1. When is Women's Entrepreneurship Day celebrated?
Women's Entrepreneurship Day is annually celebrated on 19th November worldwide.
2. Who was the first female entrepreneur?
Madame C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove, is the original "self-made woman". As a daughter to former slaves who was orphaned at the age of 7, Walker quite literally built her empire out of nothing.
3. What do female entrepreneurs struggle with most?
According to a survey, 48% of female entrepreneurs say a lack of mentors and advisors limits their professional development. In a world dominated by men at the highest levels of business, women can't flourish without someone pointing them in the correct direction.