Woman-owned businesses in the U.S. top 12 million and generate $2.1 trillion in receipts annually, with female founders representing 22.4% of all small business owners. 1
Celebrating women’s achievements is global; socially, culturally, economically, and politically. One didn’t have to leave their virtual seat to see how powerful women are and have been. The stories are amazing, motivating, inspiring, moving, and if it takes a lot to get you excited, at a minimum they are interesting.
#IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity. This means increasing visibility, calling out inequality, and infusing equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice into organizational strategic initiatives.
This may require understanding why people resist these efforts. Some cultures leave many wondering why women must remain less than their potential. If you are in a position to get others talking about the difference between equality and equity and why it is important to look at different circumstances, how resources are allocated, you may foster a mindset that focuses on solutions that advance more women to being the best they deserve to be.
The international theme is rich with so many opportunities to participate by creating, leading, elevating, embracing, improving, forging, and empowering more women everywhere. While progress has been made, there have been setbacks for gender equality in several countries and in some states proposing regulations that don’t allow women to make decisions about their bodies and their children.
There is too much human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence in the world. The plethora of phenomenal women who make the world go round through their voices, written words and actions, bravely take on these issues. Anyone can be an influencer, one person at a time or on a larger public level. We must be change agents primarily through love and caring about more than ourselves.
We do have men supporting women on the battlefront. Ending on a more uplifting note, I listened to a devotional sharing three challenges2. My paraphrase is to challenge you to be joyful in hoping for betterment of others. Steel yourself to be patient while going through affliction of those who try to dissuade you from acting or speaking your truth. Last but not least, we need constant prayer that helps us to be faithful while enduring the daily onslaughts. Women are the true champions no matter how anyone tries to make them feel differently. More need to be renewed and transformed to support these champions. Grow in steadfast character, strength and confidence.
The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng. Psalm 68:11.
1 SCORE.ORG, March 01, 2023 2YouVersion, March 10, 2023
Leadership Coaching Mentoring Connections 