Redefining Women in Business
The recent change in social attitudes towards women returning to work has had an immense positive impact on various elements of everyday life. As societies progress and the idea of women in work becomes more accepted, women have been able to reclaim their rightful place as leaders and innovators.
Rume2 is a proud representation of the path taken by Rosie and Lucy paved with determination, resilience and a dynamic idea to create a space where local businesses, entrepreneurs and freelancers can come to work, talk and grow together.
Rosie and Lucy
The History of Women in Business
First and foremost, let's talk about the history behind women in business and how these incredible people helped us get to where we are today!
The first ever women in business was recorded in 1739 when Eliza Lucas Pickney took over her family plantation business when she was only 16 years old despite the prevailing patriarchal systems. Eliza took a huge risk and it definitely paid off!
During World War I (1914-1918) there was a sudden peak in women starting work in jobs vacated by men who had gone to fight in the war. Therefore, many women were working in factories. This helped to shape the societal shift and idea that women were able to fulfil stereotypical male roles, although this may not have been their ideal job!
During World War 2 (1939-1945), history repeated itself and many women took on stereotypical male jobs working in factories building ships, aeroplanes and munitions. Government figures show that women’s employment increased during World War II from about 5.1 million in 1939 to just over 7.25 million in 1943!
The Brightword team
The Benefits
There are obviously LOADS of amazing benefits to incorporating women into work but here are just a few!
Economic growth: The increase of female participation in the workforce stimulates economic growth by more previously dismissed ideas and talent being discovered and taken into consideration within businesses. This also gives women the opportunity to gain financial independence which can help to better well-being overall, and who doesn’t love having their own money!
Representation and Diversity: The representation of business women can be tremendously empowering and can act as role models for younger girls who want to work and want to possess their own sense of independence when they are older. This is a representation that has previously been lacking in the media. Women are also able to bring unique perspectives into business, driving creativity and innovation. Cultivating an inclusive and diverse team makes it easier to identify gaps in the market and understand how to target specific customers.
Breaking Stereotypes: Challenging traditional gender stereotypes paves the way for future generations, this gives younger women at all levels the opportunity to achieve their dreams in the workplace. Females have been previously labelled as being stereotypically weak, unintelligent and given the ‘housewife’ role. However, society is progressing to remove these systematic barriers and many women have proved they are able to balance work-life and family-life.
Emily at Becolourful
Balancing Success and Well-being
Being a woman in business comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities, however ensuring you have a stable balance between focusing on your success while looking after your well-being is one of the key elements to happiness and upholding a business. Even when life gets busy make sure you take out at least a couple hours out of your day to look after yourself and communicate boundaries for how much work you can take on - it's ok to say no!
Time management is key. Effectively managing time can help to minimise stress and maximise productivity. Do not be worried about delegating any tasks and articulate any concerns or needs to the people around you. Finally, keep a healthy balance between work and personal life, it is possible to keep a balance between professional success and personal fulfilment!
In summary, the recent rise in female entrepreneurs has rewritten the societal stereotypes and made a huge change in opportunities given to women. In order to keep progressing, make sure to support any female-owned businesses and keep fighting for equality in certain places that may not yet have it.
At Rume2 we have a variety of inspirational women that come to work here who continue to challenge traditional concepts.
Keshira from Keshira Creative Events
If you are looking for a place to start coworking, you are always welcome here! We offer free trials to anyone who wants to try out our space, get in touch at hello@rume2.co.uk to book yours.
Written by Eve Jenkins-Draper, work experience