4 Ways to support and celebrate women who are entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day

By Candace Huntly

International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8. I struggled with what to write about for this year’s International Women’s Day. I am a woman. I am an entrepreneur. I am also tired of the stereotypes that I see act as barriers to so many business owners who identify as women. It’s one thing to reclaim a term and find empowerment in it, but it’s another to have it thrust on you as a means to hold you back in a male-dominated field.

If I am being honest, there are times I feel completely empowered as a business owner, and there are times that I don’t. I am thriving. I feel like I am in control. However, I am constantly fighting against stereotypes and barriers that shouldn’t exist in the first place. And there are marginalized groups of women that face even greater barriers than I face as an entrepreneur.

So, as we approach International Women’s Day, I thought I would put together a list of ways everyone can support women who happen to be entrepreneurs.

STOP PUTTING US IN BOXES

There are so many terms and stereotypes out there that can be damaging to women who are entrepreneurs. While we may feel like powerful women, it’s hard to know that around the corner someone is putting us into a stereotype box.

*Warning: A little bit of a rant ahead…

I am going to say something perhaps a little controversial to some. I don’t like the term Mompreneur. There. I said it. I know there are communities build around it, and that’s great, but why does being a mom have to define me as a business owner? We hardly ever hear the word Dadpreneur and I liken it to the same thing as the fact that you don’t hear the term “working dad” thrown around a lot. But you’ll hear the term “working mother” or “working mom” used multiple times a day sometimes.

And don’t even get me started on the fact that men who are entrepreneurs are just called entrepreneurs, but women are always called female entrepreneurs. Why?

Your words matter. They matter when you say them. And they definitely matter when someone else says them about you.

Note: If you have reclaimed a term and you wear it proudly because you find it empowering as a woman and entrepreneur, then that is amazing. I have reclaimed the term Boss Babe for myself because I find it empowering. And I know that many women find it a little offensive. We’re not all cut from the same cloth.

DEMAND EQUAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

I am not talking about the women who are looking for funding. They are already demanding it. I am talking about those within entrepreneurship communities and investor communities that aren’t speaking up for women when it comes to equal funding opportunities. We all have voices, and we can choose to use them for good.

OFFER EQUAL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES

Working in Public Relations, I have been honoured to work with incredible thought leaders across a variety of different industries. Especially in male-dominated industries, it can sometimes be challenging to find media commentary opportunities for experts who identify as women. The same can be said for speaking engagements. I always find it interesting that March will be full of opportunities for mostly women because of International Women’s Day, but the same can’t always be said for events throughout the year.

This is shifting significantly, but we have a long way to go before we truly see the diversity that is reflected in thought leaders across sectors.

I couldn’t write about this without a shout out to a few organizations who are working so hard to give the spotlight to a diverse group of experts. Canadian Small Business Women, TorontoStarts, and the Ryerson Diversity Institute with their programs like Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub and Newcomers Entrepreneurship Hub are just a few.

DON’T QUESTION WHETHER WE CAN SUCCEED BECAUSE WE ARE WOMEN

When I was pregnant with Aurora in 2018 (OMG did she just use the word pregnant in a business blog?! 😉), I can’t tell you how many people told me that I wouldn’t be able to do it. I wouldn’t be able to run the business I had put so much love and effort into since 2013. Every time someone said it to me, my opposing response got a little weaker until I started to doubt myself.

This type of interaction happens to a lot of women who decide to have children, like that somehow stops us from having successful careers. In fact, I would argue that it’s setting a pretty amazing example for my daughter.

Again, your words matter. Remind yourself that it doesn’t take more effort to encourage someone rather than tear them down. Even if you don’t agree with the path they are walking down, ask them about their plans rather than telling them they can’t reach their end goal. Just because something is hard doesn’t mean that it can’t happen. 

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. And I can’t think of a better theme for a day that is meant to celebrate women. Let’s hope the movement catches fire and we don’t have to worry about these stereotypes and biases that hold back so many entrepreneurs.

I would love to hear your stories of strength and breaking down barriers. Share in the comments below!