“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” – Mother Theresa
It has often been said that empowered women, empower women. Throughout history, strong, empowered women have helped to shape our politics and social history. From making new discoveries in science and education to today’s presidential race, women have dedicated themselves to bettering society, and our country, as a whole.
For decades, there has been a gender gap regarding wages, with women earning 20% less than their counterparts, even though women are half of the workforce. This has not deterred women from succeeding and becoming CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and other important roles at major companies.
Successful women don’t put limits on themselves, and have big dreams in terms of business and accomplishments. These empowered women are supporting other women in order to make a difference, in every aspect of their lives.
- MENTOR – Being a mentor to younger women who are fresh out of college and beginning their endeavor into the business world is important. Strong female mentors can help guide those young women who are trying to climb the corporate ladder…teaching them from their experiences as well as their mistakes. Learning from someone who’s already been through the trials and tribulations of the corporate world can help direct young female entrepreneurs down the right path towards success.
- JOIN – There is a multitude of support groups for business women that cater to the challenges and opportunities that women in business face each day. Encouraging entrepreneurship, The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) brings “together business women of diverse occupations to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.” (www.abwa.org/pages/abwa-home-page).
- ENCOURAGE – Encouraging the women and young girls in your life to have dreams and not to settle on the smaller things is imperative. Girls are never too young to learn that they can do anything they put their minds to, and nothing is off limits. Encourage the women in your business to think like an entrepreneur…your business, as well as those women, will benefit.
- TRAILBLAZE – It’s no secret that men and women are perceived differently, even when exhibiting the same emotions. For example, if a man lets his voice be heard, he’s direct, whereas a woman would be labeled aggressive. Additionally, if a man gets “heated” during a meeting, he’s passionate, where a woman would be seen as emotional. “Trailblazers are known for being innovators. Those people who do things that have never been done, create things that never existed, or perform in ways unimaginable. They question status quo and challenge assumptions. They welcome problems and gain momentum by overcoming them.” (https://cio.gov/five-steps-to-becoming-a-trailblazer/)
So, no matter what situation you are facing, know that all women can make a difference.
