International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world recently to acknowledge the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of women and to inspire females everywhere to achieve their full potential and this acknowledgement is especially poignant within the business world where women still struggle to achieve equal rights and recognition.
The turn of the century was when the idea for a day to recognise the successes of women first arose and the first celebration was held in 1911 when German women selected the 19th March because it was on this date in 1848 that the Prussian King had promised the vote for women. Since then it has been celebrated on the 8th March and seeks to make women all over the world aware of issues such as equality and how to realise their dreams.
Dr Glenda Stone, founder and CEO of Aurora, a global women’s organisation said: “Women’s equality has progressed enormously over the past century however some companies and countries still treat their women unfairly. The world must not become complacent because a degree of progress for women has been made. Many corporations still need to become more ‘gender fair’ and increase women’s equal access to leadership positions.”
When it comes to the world of entrepreneurial business, women account for 26% of the self-employed workforce in the UK (Labour Force Survey) but even though more young women than ever are putting their business heads on, and being successful in their endeavours, they still face significant barriers. Barriers such as: having children, lacking self-esteem in a male-dominated world or not being able to make the transition from benefits to self-employment. To combat the latter, business support organisations are now promoting the New Deal Self-Employment option or providing mentors and in general women are receiving more acknowledgement, advice and guidance so that the increase in female entrepreneurship can match that of our US counterparts.
In order to build up belief in women and business, though, the ongoing debate about the gender pay gap needs to continue in order to develop fair and equal treatment but with recent comments from Tony Blair on the need for “a massive amount of work” to close the gap between men and women, the plight of women in business is at the forefront of peoples’ mind. The Women and Work Commission outlined that women in full-time work were earning 17% less than men but instead of taking this negatively, it should inspire ladies everywhere to branch out and take a shot at success.
At the National Dialogue for Entrepreneurship, Chief Executive of the Small Business Service, Martin Wyn said: “Women are more likely to be innovative than men and are, on average, more qualified than men. Women are more likely to move from unemployment to self-employment; one in five women, compared to one in fifteen men. So, on entering self-employment from unemployment, women make a more immediate contribution to GDP and we see less economic displacement.” Mr Wyn went on to say: “If you are in the business of economic development, then you cannot afford to ignore the untapped economic potential that is latent in the female population all over the world.”
Why not take the bull by the horns and ride the wave of interest and support of entrepreneurial women? International Women’s Day may be officially on the 8th March but realistically you could make it stand for something every day.
