Feeling Torn on International Women's Day 2023
Happy International Women’s Day 2023! We’re always a little torn about how big a fuss we make of this day, as for us it should be the same every day. 1 day a year sharing a picture of us giving ourselves a hug doesn’t really cut it. We are constantly championing women around us, women in our community and our general lives.
But, then I figure, we have to do more and if this day gives us an opportunity to make some noise and take some action then let’s have it! We’ve all experienced inequality in some way at some point in our lives. I saw a quote the other day that got me thinking which was that the biggest mistake we make with fighting for this kind of thinking is thinking that someone else is going to do it.
I must admit that I found the theme this year a bit confusing. Embrace Equity! #equityvsequality
I don’t think I was alone. The 2 words are confusing, what’s the difference?
I found this great reel on insta from @thecopywritersday she explains the difference between equality and equity – the really easy way to understand it for me was this quote she shared:
Equality is giving everyone shoe.
Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits
The Rose Review
If you’re a woman who works for yourself, you already know how challenging it can be. I wanted to take the opportunity on International Women’s Day to highlight The Rose Review, an in-depth government report on female entrepreneurship in the UK, highlights some of the key issues facing women in business today. If you haven’t read it, go and download it now. It’s brilliant.
The report, takes a close look at the barriers women face when starting and growing their own businesses. It’s based on a wide range of research, including surveys and interviews with female entrepreneurs, and it offers some valuable insights into what can be done to support women in business.
One of the main findings of the report is that women face a number of unique challenges when starting and growing their own businesses. For example, they often have less access to funding and support than their male counterparts. They also tend to face more discrimination and bias, both in the workplace and in the wider business community. – A great example women getting a shoe, but it not fitting!
Click below for the whole infographic available to summarise key stats from The Rose Review
Build your support network and celebrate other women in business
Another key issue highlighted by the report is the importance of networking and mentoring for female entrepreneurs. Women who have access to supportive networks and mentors are more likely to succeed in business, but these resources can be difficult to come by, especially for women who work for themselves.
So, what can women who work for themselves learn from the Rose Review? Firstly, it’s important to recognise that the challenges you face are not unique to you – they are shared by many other women in business. This means that there is a wealth of knowledge and resources out there to help you overcome these challenges.
Secondly, it’s important to seek out supportive networks and mentors wherever possible. This might involve joining a business networking group, attending industry events, or seeking out a mentor who can offer you guidance and support.
Finally, it’s important to be persistent and resilient. Starting and growing a business is never easy, but it’s particularly challenging for women who face additional barriers and obstacles. By staying focused on your goals and persevering through the tough times, you can overcome these challenges and achieve success in your business.
Take some action today:
It would be remiss of me not to say how we can help. We have a great group on facebook including a welcoming community of 400+ women in business. This is a great place to hang out, get support, ask questions and network.
Come networking. Not only will networking get you more business (obv) it will give you the space to hang out with other women that get it. They might have ‘been there and done that’ so then you can get where you want to get to quicker.
Support our members. Som e of our members have a listing here on our website. Need some support with something in business or life? Take a look there and see if there’s a business women that can help. Follow them on socials, connect with them. They’d love that.
Kerry Perks, COO, MPWR – by no means a blog writer, can you tell? but get me going on a subject and I’ll have a go!
Really passionate about supporting other women in business, not just on International Women’s Day.
