Women-owned businesses comprise between one-quarter and one-third of businesses in the formal economy and are likely to play a greater role in the informal sectors. They today account for nearly half the work force, own nearly 40 percent of all us. But Women in the career track in the workplace are often subtly prevented from advancing at the same rate or to the same extent as their male counterparts.
Women’s participation in business is analogous to that of the uneducated at lower rungs of an organization. Their profiles are gender segregated and they are often relegated to back end, stagnating careers that can destroy potential. Many debates are being held all over the world to bring about change based on equality. The call for change is backed at all levels including policy making and some efforts in that direction have shown fruit.
On the other hand, there are Women have blitzkrieged their way in the world of business. Their multiple roles and the demands of family management don’t seem to bog them down. Their ability to multi task has made them achieve much in very little time. That doesn’t mean women are ok with male hegemony. Men have caused too much damage already and women had to pay the price as well. They don’t want to take it anymore.
Many resources like education are not accessible to women in a good number of countries. The efforts to bring change have only benefited a few and a lot more has to be done to make the society all inclusive.
Countries where women issues are not given due importance often cite importance of communities rather than a gender specific approach. This has lead to most women not attaining the required skills for a successful career.
Women have proved that they are just as good as men if not better and their functioning as individuals or groups should not be subject to gender prejudice. Women have to be acknowledged.
Vicki Irvin has a passion for helping women entrepreneurs and business owners to succeed in business and attain the levels of success that they truly deserve. It has been her experience that women have a better chance of succeeding professionally if women work life balance can be achieved through effective time management and through proper self-care physically and emotionally.