Until WW2, most women’s work was limited to household work and taking care of children. During the war, women had to enter the workforce, filling in for the men who fought in the front. It changed the perception of women about their own abilities and aspirations of working outside their homes. When the war ended, many women lost their positions, but there was no turning back.
When the war finally ended, the men came back home, and the women were forced to leave their new professional positions. This caused a backlash in an attempt to get the women to return to the private sphere while glorifying myths and social conventions through the model of suburban women. The results of this on a broad population of educated and talented women were later characterized by Betty Frieden as “the problem that has no name” in her best-selling book “The Feminine Mystique.”
Although today women are a significant part of the labor force in general and businesswomen in particular, there is still clear gender inequality in the business arena, one that manifests itself in the difficulty of getting appointments to senior positions and, of course, the pay gap. The Equal Pay Day and the National Women’s Equal Pay Day were also launched in this context.
On September 22nd, 1949, the businesswomen Hilary Bufton, Jr, Frances Stuckey, Irma Beisel, and Shirley Cupp established the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) with a mission to help women receive equal job opportunities and maintain their positions and business post WW2. Years later, the organization has thousands of members in all 50 states from 23 different industries and management levels.
The first American Business Women’s Day was initiated and sponsored by the ABWA in 1982. A Congressional resolution has officially recognized the day in 1983 and 1986 to celebrate it annually on September 22.
American Business Women’s Day acknowledges the significant role of women in the world of business, their accomplishments, their contributions to society and the local and global economy. The day inspires women to fight for their rights in the workplace. It increases collaboration between women-owned businesses and creating a businesswomen’s network.
On the day, the ABWA and other organizations organize special events, such as seminars, workshops, networking gatherings, and panels where businesswomen from various work fields share their experiences, provide leaderships tips, and cooperate with other women and their businesses.
Several opportunities to celebrate the day –
Participate in one of those events.
Organize or sponsor a leadership conference in your city.
Attend a career fair at a local school or community center.
Give a shoutout to your favorite woman-owned business.
Share your own story and insights on social media using the #AmericanBusinessWomensDay.
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