YBI Network celebrates women entrepreneurs on International Women’s Day 2021

March 8th is International Women’s Day, and YBI and our global member network are marking the occasion by highlighting the inspirational work of women entrepreneurs worldwide.

This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge, a sentiment that will resonate with many women who have embarked on the journey of running their own business. Globally, the vast majority of businesses are still owned by men, with only one in three owned by women – and fewer women-owned enterprises means fewer opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost all businesses, women-owned small businesses have been hit significantly harder than their men-owned counterparts. Many women are held back further still, owing to societal barriers relating to factors such as race, ethnicity, sexuality, culture or government policies.

But despite the extraordinary events of the past year, women across the world are still choosing to challenge deeply-ingrained gender and societal norms to start, sustain and scale their own enterprises – transforming not just their own lives, but the lives of their local communities, too.

From 1st to 10th March, YBI and our members are sharing stories of inspirational women entrepreneurs, tips from experts across our network and other useful information about supporting women in entrepreneurship across our social media channels. To find out more and join in the celebrations, head over to our Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages.

Read our CEO Anita Tiessen’s reflections about International Women’s Day 2021.