March 8th is International Women’s Day, and Facebook is going out of its way to celebrate for a full 24 hours with an around the world broadcast with items in its News Feed directed at women’s accomplishments. What better way to get the word out on the importance that women have played in our history – be it to champion a cause or being a successful business owner. Is there some women in your life that made a real difference for you, or the lives of others you know? This is the day to share their stories on Facebook so others around the world can read about them and possibly gain some inspiration of their own. Facebook says that 40-percent of women-owned businesses on the business pages of Facebook has grown 60-percent in the years 2015 – 2016 and they make it clear that they’re proud of this statistic. These enthusiastic female entrepreneurs are helping to make our world a better place by offering up jobs and giving the world a better female perspective.
This day not only celebrates women’s achievements but also reminds us of how far we have to go for real equality between men and women in the workplace. Facebook posts will help to highlight women’s contributions to business and how those women can affect the lives of others. There will be live events, videos, and fundraisers as well as prominent women broadcasting about their businesses – how they started and the obstacles one faces as a female business owner. Last year, Facebook launched a program entitled #SheMeansBusiness to support women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. While many professionals will post topics involving inspiring women, anybody can get in on the program by posting their own inspirational story about women who have made a difference – just use the #SheMeansBusiness.
Facebook is asking us to join in by posting celebratory artwork – either by sharing something on Facebook or posting your own artwork. Share conversations or stories about women’s progress or achievements. Write your own inspiring story about yourself or someone you know and share it with others on Facebook. Go to a local event if you are close enough to show support and to celebrate with others. You can even start a Facebook fundraiser to empower women by adding a donate button to a live video. There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day and the many ways female-owned businesses have made a difference.