Women-Led Wednesday launches this year
The campaign was designed to empower and support women in leadership through united holiday shopping.
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There’s Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday, Giving Tuesday, Black Friday—and now there’s Women-Led Wednesday.
Even though women are more than half of the population and the professional-level work force, only 25 percent of executives and senior management officials are women. And only 20 percent of board seats and six percent of CEOs among S&P 500 companies are women.
These are the stats Cassie Abel, Wild Rye co-founder and White Cloud Communication owner, pulled together while brainstorming the need for a women-specific business day.
On Nov. 21, Abel is encouraging shoppers and other business owners to build awareness around women-founded and women-led brands, retailers, and service providers, with the goal of empowering and increasing the number of women in leadership positions.
“This is about more than just closing the pay gap—it’s about the health and productivity of the workforce in general,” Abel said in a news release. “I believe that more women in leadership equals more role models for young women just starting their careers. The more role models, the more inspired women entrepreneurs and leaders.”
“I never thought much of being a woman founder, but as we gain success it makes me feel proud and grateful to be an example and support to other women in business,” explained Carrie (VanWinkle) Greener, co-founder of 4-year-old Pappy & Co, a bourbon lifestyle inspired brand. “Women-Led Wednesday just makes so much sense. We have all these shopping holidays, so why not one with a real purpose. We’re excited to help empower other women by showing the potential that is out there.”
Lauren Fennema, founder of new women’s e-tailer Confidants added, “I’m pumped to be included in #WomenLedWednesday. By participating in this space, I’m excited to help showcase women-led brands, as well as tell more stories by women for women. The more we can welcome each other to the table, share ideas, build community, and help fuel each other toward our dreams, the more change we can create.”
