While writing this, I felt a bit emotional reflecting on how far we’ve come as women and how far we must go. My mother and the many women before me, have worked hard to pave a path where we have some seats at the table and more opportunity than ever before, and I’m very grateful. As I raise my 11-year-old and 5-month-old daughter, I feel a profound responsibility to continue paving a path for women where they are respected and empowered to share their voice.
I don’t want my daughters to feel a glass ceiling. I want them to get paid their worth. To have a seat at any table. And to know they have a choice over their decisions. As long as we respect each other and create a win win situation for all women, we’ll create a future brighter than ever before.
As a Wild Feminist, I will always use my voice.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day this Friday March 8th, I invite you to spark conversations around womanhood, what we did to get HERE, where we need to go and acknowledge the women in your life who have influenced you positively. Because when women support other women and men honor our contributions, we are truly unstoppable. 💜
The Roots of Women’s History Month: Our Progress and Challenges
Happy Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day 2024
Women’s History Month traces its roots back to a single week in 1980, initiated in Santa Rosa, California. From just a week-long event, it’s grown into a full-blown national month of recognition, showing just how much, we’ve moved forward in acknowledging women’s impact on our world.
We stand on the shoulders of giants—women like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose relentless pursuit of justice reshaped our legal landscape. Gloria Steinem, whose voice became synonymous with the fight for equality. And our first female US Vice President, Kamala Harris, who is ensuring that women get their fair share of opportunities by expanding access to underrepresented sectors like manufacturing, construction, and clean energy.
We have modern-day icons like Eva Longoria, who started The Eva Longoria Foundation Poderistas to help Latinas get ahead with schooling and start their own Businesses, and Adwoa Aboah – The founder of Gurls Talk, a platform for young women to discuss mental health and self-care, Adwoa has been a fearless advocate for mental health awareness and self-empowerment.
Gurls Talk Co-Founder, Model, and Activist Adwoa Aboah | Photo and Credit to Andrew Toth/Getty Images
These women continue to break barriers, showing that our influence transcends all sectors. They don’t just inspire us; they pave the way for future generations to dream bigger and reach higher. I can’t wait to see what both of my daughters do as trailblazers, and I’m so glad they have these women to look up to.
Progress is Great, And Let’s Keep Pushing Forward
And with all this amazing progress, we still have a long way to go. Recently, it has felt like we’re taking some steps back which is disheartening. One of the big issues I see with women in the workforce is childcare. The average yearly price for childcare ranges from $5,400 in Mississippi to $21,000 in Massachusetts, and women are more than twice as likely as men to take a career pause to care for children.
When more women work, economies grow, and having a more inclusive workforce leads to increased innovation, productivity, and diversity of ideas. And evidence shows that companies with higher numbers of women in leadership perform better. Significant economic advantages result from increasing women’s participation in the workforce. Yet, women are quitting their jobs or choosing not to have kids—a long-term detriment to the economy.
For me, the huge benefit of being a mompreneur is that I get to control my schedule and create a schedule with Ava that works for me. I’m lucky to have a business that allows me to work from home and have a team of support. I feel for those who must go into an office, are in the front lines or just don’t have a company that supports their needs.
Ava is my “WHY” to keep pushing forward.
It’s very difficult to have a strong career and be a mother with the way our society functions.
In 2022, women were still making about 17% less than men, which is even more pronounced as women get older.
And to add salt to the wound, we might not see pay equity until 2059 if things keep going at this rate. These challenges aren’t just statistics; they’re daily realities that underscore the need for persistent advocacy, policy change, and community support to foster truly inclusive environments.
The Way Forward: Unity and Empowerment
There’s something magical that happens when women back each other up. When we choose to uplift each other and bring other women along with us, we’re an unstoppable force.
In my quest to surround myself with powerful Ladybosses who are also entrepreneurs, I joined the founder of bossbabe Natalie Elizabeth Ellis exclusive mastermind called CEO Mama. This special group of women are all business owners, badass females with kiddos and wow they are a powerful bunch. Together we get real. We talk business. We lend a hand. We do whatever we can to help each other get to the next level.
A quote from Natalie Elizabeth Ellis CEO + Founder Boss Babe.Inc & CEO Mama
Mentorship programs, networking groups, and platforms for sharing stories and strategies are essential in building a culture where women feel empowered and recognized. When we lift each other, we set a foundation for a future where every woman can achieve her potential, free from the constraints of outdated norms and biases.
Natalie and I at CEO Mama 2024
Envisioning the Future
Looking ahead, I see a future where women’s roles are integral to society’s success.
We’re heading toward a time when gender equity is just how things are, where every woman can voice her ideas and share her skills without hitting barriers.
Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s a time to get fired up for the future. It’s about honoring the women who’ve paved the way and lifting those coming up behind us.
I will take flight and spread my wings for the cause.
Let’s spend this month reflecting on our wins, facing our challenges head-on, and coming together to keep pushing forward.
Tag a female that you want to celebrate this month! 💜
📢 Calling all LinkedIn creators and marketers looking to take their content to the next level!
Let’s come together for a unique online event on Wednesday, March 20th, where we’ll explore the art of crafting compelling content that truly connects with your audience.
Join your personal Dopamine Dealer and LinkedIn Top AI Voice Joshua B. Lee , and me your branding ladyboss expert and LinkedIn Top Voice for an exclusive LIVE session. We’ll be sharing proven strategies for creating content that captivates and resonates on a deep emotional level.
Elevate Your Content Strategy: Stand Out, Be Heard, And Embrace The Power Of AI. March 20th, 2024 10am CST
In this value-packed event, you’ll discover:
🔹 How to craft a distinctive voice that sets you apart from the robotic noise of ordinary content
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Plus, we’re giving you two invaluable resources – access to my personal brand guide and my exclusive AI for events cheat sheet from Josh. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity!