International Women’s Day is an annual event that celebrates and highlights women and girls all over the world. The campaign is calling for a gender equal world, free of discrimination, stereotypes and bias. A world where inclusivity, diversity and difference are welcomed and celebrated. Just imagine how wonderful that world would be!
Why is International Women’s Day so important?
As a self employed female I have first hand experience of the hurdles that women have to overcome in daily life just to be seen and heard equally to their male counterparts. Personally, I am privileged to live a life where I am safe, have access and funds for essentials such as sanitary products and female focused health care. I am privileged to live in a country where opportunities for women are increasing and we are able to live a life of relative safety.
It pains me to imagine the lives of women that are less fortunate than me, those struggling in poverty, male dominated societies and religions and those facing daily threats to their safety. As a women who can use her voice freely, I have to continue to speak for those who can’t.
Why is it important to support female led businesses?
For many women, especially those raising families, the traditional world of work does not recognise their needs and struggles. This means that lot’s of women turn to self employment as a way of keeping their passions and skills alive whilst also earning money in a way that allows them to raise their children or fulfil the life they choose for themselves.
How is Sustainable Deeds supporting women?
Supporting women was a huge driver for me to open my online shop. I kept coming across awesome female led businesses and makers that were creating sustainable products. I wanted to find a way to highlight the importance of living sustainably whilst also supporting women, so the shop seemed a perfect idea!
On this International Women’s Day I wanted to highlight and celebrate some of the incredible women that I am lucky to support through my shop. Grab yourself a cuppa, have a browse of the shop and if you see something you love then there is no better day than today to support a female led business with your pennies.
5 Female led businesses you can support today
Flotsam Flo
Truly unique accessories handmade by Kate in Cornwall using recycled and repurposed materials
Happy Sunshine
Gorgeous eye pillows handmade in Cornwall by Bina, using repurposed fabrics and organic home grown lavender
Cool Trade Winds
Felt ball coasters in a beautiful array of colours! Handmade by a women’s cooperative in Nepal
Mia Makes A Meadow
A children’s story about a girl and her love of nature written and Illustrated by women
Green Earth Learning
A female led forest school and educational resources business making delightful handmade wooden toys
Spread the word- Celebrate women today and everyday!
I hope that this has given you a better understanding of what International Women’s Day stands for and why that is so important. But it’s also important to remember that the need for this awareness doesn’t just happen on one day of the year. We have a duty to celebrate, support and champion all the women in the world on a daily basis.
Supporting women with your wallet is just one way, but using your words, actions and encouraging others to do the same is the best way to make women seen and heard equally to men. So I urge you to go and let the women in your life know just how important they are, today and everyday!
