Happy International Women's Day!

Today is the International Women's Day.  It’s a great day to celebrate women, and show gratitude for everyone who actively supports gender equality.  

Many people are protesting today, because there have been calls for a nationwide strike and a “Day without Women.” Why are people protesting? The issues of gender equality are perceived to be at risk, with healthcare for women coming under attack (proposed changes to ACA /Obamacare), the language used during the presidential campaign having been denigrating towards women, and because, frankly, women are still undervalued and disadvantaged in our society where women earn, on average, $.80 for every dollar a male makes (link). Women only earned the right to vote less than 100 years ago, and as much progress as we’ve made, we still have a lot of work to do. I know that most men support this issue too, not least because they have smart daughters and partners that they’re proud of.  For those who have taken the day off to protest, cheers to you! I respect you for standing up for equality for all people, and for standing up for what you believe in. Thank you.

On a personal level, I considered whether to close GP’s office for the day.  I considered this for about half a second.  As a women-lead business in a highly competitive (and male-dominated industry), a day off is a day behind.  I strongly believe that by showing the world what a women-lead team is capable of, we’re showing the world every day that women can build a kick ass business in a powerfully unique way. Yet, it’s integral to who I am as a human and who we are as a company to honor this special day.

Instead of protesting, I’ve chosen to honor the day of women by fusing two things that Globalization Partners’ work represents together: Internationalism and Equality. Globalization Partners is celebrating the International Day of Women by sponsoring a table at a fundraiser held by the International Institute of New England. Several members of the Boston team will be attending this event today, and there might still be a few seats available if anyone wants to join.  It should be an inspiring event.

The International Institute of New England helps refugee and immigrant families settle into the Boston area, by providing English as a second language classes, job training, and other support infrastructure. It’s an incredibly cool organization which represents the best of America: taking the most entrepreneurial people in the world and teaching them how to function well as new Americans. I mention that immigrants are the most entrepreneurial people in the world.  Can you imagine the courage and creativity it would take to leave your family, country, job and home behind to go to a new country and start a new life from scratch? That is the definition of an entrepreneur, and it is the core of our history as Americans. Our ancestors were ALL entrepreneurs, and we have much to be proud of in our shared history. Today’s immigrants also benefit us: according to the Kauffman Foundation, immigrants comprise 28.5% of entrepreneurs in America in 2014. Entrepreneurs often create jobs and benefit the American economy as a whole; supporting smart immigration is a win-win for everyone. Supporting women is also smart, and a win-win for everyone. Women who are able to become breadwinners are able to better support their families. Thus we expect this to be a great event and a much-deserved celebration. 

While highlighting today’s celebration of women and internationalism, I would like to expand our definition a little further.  Let's celebrate LGBQT and other minority communities in our celebrations today too.  We all rise together.  Our forefathers gave us incredible wisdom when incorporating the world’s first democracy: united we stand, divided we fall. They were great entrepreneurs, too.

Thanks for your support of my entrepreneurship, for supporting each other, and for celebrating equal rights for everyone today. Happy International Women's Day!