March is Women’s History Month!
Originally celebrated the second week in March, but expanded to span the entire month in 1987, Women’s History Month aims to celebrate the amazing accomplishments and important history of women in the United States.
Here at KSR, this is a topic we hold dear to our hearts. As a woman-owned small business, we strive to always remember how the women who came before us paved the way for us to be able to thrive today.
On this year’s International Women’s Day, we’d like to take a look back into the history of women in the workplace. When you think about it, it’s truly amazing how far we’ve come. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still have room to grow.
The Origins of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month started the same way that many movements throughout history did: with a protest.
On March 8th, 1857, a group of women employed at several factories in New York City came together in protest of the poor working conditions they faced. Years later, on the same day, California’s Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women developed what they called Women’s History Week in 1978.
They designated the week that included International Women’s Day – March 8th – to dedicate to celebrating the amazing leaps women had taken throughout history up to that point.
Just two years later, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation to nationally recognize Women’s History Week. Towards the end of the 1980s, the week expanded to a month, which brings us up to date with celebrating women’s history for the entire month of March each year.
“I have broken many glass ceilings – so I know it can be done.” – Helen Clark (Former New Zealand Prime Minister and UNDP Administrator)
Women’s History Month in 2023
In 2023, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month look a little different than they did in the last century. While women in the United States are afforded the same liberties as their male peers, at least on paper, there are still inequalities all around us.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Embracing Equity.” Equity, not to be confused with equality, is vital to taking the steps necessary to reaching true equality for women all around the world.
Equity in practice means making adjustments for people who face unfair circumstances or biases in order to create real equality. Equality is the goal, equity is the means to get there.
Equity for Women in the Workplace
Historically, the workplace has often been a volatile setting for a woman to be. Due to oppressive laws and restrictions, along with discrimination, harassment, and pay inequality (among other obstacles), women have faced unique issues when trying to build their careers and livelihoods.
For the modern working woman, some aspects of professional life have improved. But this doesn’t mean that we have reached equality among all genders, and it certainly doesn’t mean that every person’s experience is the same.
Today, almost 60 percent of working women report that they have faced micro-aggressions at work. Though it may seem trivial to an outsider, having to deal with comments, assumptions, unwanted touches, or any other form of subtle aggression can make women feel uncomfortable, out of place, or even afraid for their safety.
It’s important to remember, too, that different demographics of women face different issues in the workplace. A concrete example of this is the pay gap between women of different races. On average, no women are making the same amount of money as men, but white women lead at around 79 cents on the dollar, with Black women at 63 cents, and Hispanic or Latina women at 52 cents.
“We want to empower women to do exactly what they want, to be true to themselves, to have the opportunities to develop.” – Emma Watson, Actor and Activist
Where do we go from here?
While women across the United States and the world often face difficulty in the workplace and their personal lives, there are still positive things happening every day, along with some great resources that can help in the fight for equality.
In the business world, some advancements are happening, but disparities are still present for working women. For example, women start their own small businesses more often than men do, but men are still statistically more likely to move into leadership roles in large companies.
In some ways, starting a small business yourself instead of having to fight tooth and nail at an established company for what you deserve is a reasonable alternative. Still, the ideal situation would be for women to be afforded equality regardless of where they choose to work.
Overall, the gender gap across the globe is gradually closing. But we still have a ways to go if we want to reach true equality.
Businesses to Support
If you’re looking to support women-owned businesses or just want to get the sense that tangible progress is being made, check out this list of large companies owned by women.
For a list of smaller women-owned businesses to shop on International Women’s Day, check out this compilation from BuzzFeed.
Resources
The official website for International Women’s Day has tons of helpful resources that are free to use.
This March, as we consider how we can best embrace equity moving forward, we believe that it is equally important to reflect on the advances we’ve made throughout history. Progress continues to be made every day, so it is just as vital to have hope for a better future as it is to advocate for one.
Our team here at KSR is sensitive to the unique issues that women in the workplace can often face. If you’re looking to learn more about small business, need help with your own venture, or simply want to share perspectives with people that really get it, reach out to us today.
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” – Michelle Obama
