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On this International Women's Day, I'm not just paying lip service; I have a strong women's take to share with you all. It's an ode to perseverance and striving for gender equality in business - we are just getting started. Welcome to woman-owned Bee Inspired!
International Women's Day has ignited self-reflection on this remarkable woman-owned business. I'm eager to share its inspiring story this Woman's Day with you. Bee Inspired began as a creative journey infused with sustainability. I hope to empower women worldwide with my story and demonstrate how to advance gender equality in the business world.
Understanding International Women's Day
What is International Women's Day and When Did it Start?
International Woman's Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8, dedicated to honoring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a powerful call to action for accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment. The roots of this significant day trace back to March 19, 1911, when it was first observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. This initiative was spearheaded by Clara Zetkin, a German socialist and women's rights activist, who proposed the idea at the International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910. Since then, International Women's Day has grown into a worldwide movement, reminding us of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve true gender equality.
The Hive Inspired Me to Nurture Women and Gender Equality Measures
I originally began my journey into the world as an artist. I delved into encaustic painting using beeswax. This sparked the idea of raising bees to craft my artworks. Little did I know where this journey would take me.
As I ventured into the world of beekeeping, I quickly became fascinated by these little creatures and their complex social structure. I realized that beekeeping is not just about harvesting honey or wax, but it also plays a crucial role in pollination and preserving our natural environment. The practice of beekeeping is deeply rooted in historical and national traditions, reflecting the cultural heritage of many societies.
Through my research and experience, I learned about the declining population of bees due to various factors such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. This motivated me to not only continue beekeeping for my art, but also to raise awareness about the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Hobby Turned Business and Achieving Gender Equality
When I began beekeeping, my purpose was to harvest wax for my paintings. I started a blog called Waxing Kara to document my experiences.
However, when I started harvesting wax from the hives, I was amazed by the copious amount of honey the bees produced. This revelation prompted me to alter my approach to this endeavor swiftly. This led to working with a talented graphic designer who created a captivating label to market HONEY, which had been the by-product of my hard work, not the purpose.
The State of Gender Parity Globally
Current Statistics and Trends
Despite the strides made towards achieving gender equality, significant gaps persist. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2024 reveals that while the global parity score has returned to pre-pandemic levels, the pace of change has markedly slowed; from 2023 to 2024, the gap closed only 0.10%. This index evaluates 146 countries across four critical dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. Among these, Political Empowerment remains the most significant gap, with only 22.1% closed. The data also underscores how the current economic system disproportionately affects women, with austerity measures negatively impacting women's rights and opportunities. These statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts and innovative solutions to achieve gender equality.
What I learned
Sometimes, you simply have to take a leap of faith, then prepare as much as you can
When I started my business, I initially felt unprepared. I was intimidated by the effort and cost involved in start-up and growth, which caused me to pass on several opportunities that appeared unexpectedly. I told myself, “I’ll be ready soon, just not yet.”
As the early years progressed, I carefully evaluated each new opportunity and made my own decision about readiness. Sometimes, you simply have to take a leap of faith and prepare as much as you can. I realized that pushing for absolute perfection often hindered forward movement and personal growth. I focused on making improvements and moving forward even if things weren't completely perfect.
The perfection syndrome challenges women disproportionately, making it even more crucial to provide them with targeted support.
So, here is some encouragement for today:
Whether it's landing your dream job, exploring the world, pursuing further education, or dedicating your days to painting, these aspirations hold significance. Sometimes, they come in smaller forms, like applying for grants, acquiring new skills, or training for a marathon.
We tend to delay these goals until we feel prepared, but here's the funny thing: you're never ready until you take the leap. Just like my experience with Bee Inspired.
I realized that women everywhere need to “take the leap.” I felt called to use our business as a platform and an example to address broader social issues and supporting feminist organizations.
"Being ready" is funny like that.
Kara Brook Brown
The Importance of Investing in Women
Empower Women for a Better Future
Investing in women is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one for achieving gender equality and advancing human rights. The theme of International Women's Day 2025, "For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," calls for progress towards achieving gender equality. By prioritizing investments in women, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
Wisdom for International Women's Day
Many women before me paved the way for my company's success. Thanks to their sacrifices, I feel limitless in what I can achieve. I've had strong examples of success in my life.
Passion, grit, and focus are the key ingredients for inevitable success, regardless of gender.
The stories of those who have succeeded are in sharp contrast to those with ongoing struggles. International Women's Day reminds us of both the victories and challenges woman face globally. It also highlights that gender equality is the greatest human rights challenge, emphasizing the necessity of investing in women as a fundamental human rights issue essential for building inclusive societies. Rights create opportunities. That’s why women's rights are central to this day, aligning it with various movements that seek to empower women and address issues like reproductive rights and violence against women.
We still have a long way to go as a society, but we'll get there.
