Empowered Together! Celebrating Women’s Day and Entrepreneurship

Since my earliest memories, my mother instilled in our family the importance of celebrating Women’s Day. I remember her sharing stories about the more than 20,000 women who marched on the Union Buildings with babies on their backs to protest against having their movements restricted by having to carry a pass to certain areas because of the colour of their skin.

Our family would organize and support gatherings on Women’s Day, sometimes my grandmother would make beautiful handmade posters, together commemorating the relentless struggles of women throughout history. We remembered those who fought for the right to vote, for fair wages, for equal opportunities, and for the recognition of their inherent worth as human beings. Yet, even as we celebrate the progress made, we must acknowledge the arduous journey that still lies ahead.

As we approach this Women’s Day, take a moment to reflect:

Who are the women in your life whose resilience has left an indelible mark on you?

Whose legacy serves as the foundation upon which you stand?

Personally, I am profoundly grateful for the trailblazers who defied the odds, who spoke their truths amidst adversity, and who refused to succumb to silence. They have carved pathways for each of us, and each of us has the opportunity to honor their sacrifices by leveraging the freedoms they fought so fiercely to attain.

In contemplating the journey of women in entrepreneurship, several valuable lessons emerge:

1. Embracing Resilience: Women entrepreneurs gracefully navigate a landscape filled with biases and barriers, drawing strength from their inner wellsprings of determination. Like the generations before us, they embody perseverance, refusing to be deterred by setbacks, knowing that each challenge is a stepping stone toward progress.
2. Unity in Action: Just as historical movements thrived through collective action, so does women’s entrepreneurship flourish when hearts and minds unite. By fostering networks of support, mentorship, and collaboration, women amplify their voices, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond themselves.
3. Inspiring Future Paths: Today’s women entrepreneurs light the way for future generations, their achievements casting a warm glow on uncharted paths. Through their unwavering commitment, they inspire young girls to dream boldly, shaping a world where every woman’s potential knows no bounds.

As we celebrate Women’s Day, let us recognize that our collective strength lies in unity.

Let us commit ourselves to building a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and shape her own destiny.

With courage and bravery,

Lenore