Even with a few extra moments as many of us celebrated Thanksgiving, it was hard to take in all the important, urgent, and consequential stories this week. But what really caught our attention is focusing on the things we value. Indigenous women. Businesswomen. Women’s rights in the spotlight. Women’s roles in history—and in making history right now. Women’s businesses. Women’s lives: those that are being ended and endangered, and those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Women who are finally being recognized. Barriers broken and shattered all over the place. Women fighting to protect other women from violence. Even with women’s rights, businesses, or very lives under threat, we’re inspired by those to rise up and protect one another.
Here are just a few stories that made us grateful this week: for women’s courage, their accomplishments, their kindness, their resilience, and their dedication. Click through to read more and to check out the stories.
How Two Industry Leaders Are Helping Women of Color Team Up and Thrive in Business, from NBC News—“These two industry trailblazers see that designation not as a disadvantage, but an opportunity to lead creatively and bring others up with them. They call themselves “unicorns”: rare and valuable beings in their respective businesses. And they want other women of color to recognize their value in the workplace, which is why they joined forces to publish their new book, ‘A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive.’”
‘Shadow Pandemic’ of Violence Against Women to Be Tackled With $25M UN Fund, from The Guardian—“The money will be divided between the UN population fund (UNFPA) and UN Women, and at least 30 percent of it must be given to women-led local organisations that prevent violence and help survivors access medical and legal help, family planning, mental health services, and counselling. UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock announced the funding on Wednesday, calling on other funders to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ to support gender equality and women’s rights.”
For Female Economists, Janet Yellen’s Treasury Secretary Nomination Marks Another Inspiring First, from The Washington Post—“For all the attention surrounding President-elect Joe Biden’s Cabinet nominations, Yellen’s selection struck a particular chord with women in economics and finance. It’s a relatively small group, and the field has long been criticized for its dearth of women. Yet for decades, women have pointed to Yellen as a trailblazer — one who has not just shattered glass ceilings but also given the women around her hammers of their own.”
These Indigenous Women Are Reshaping Canada’s Tourism Industry, from National Geographic—“[Owner of Painted Warriors Tracey] Klettl hopes that she and the other female Métis and First Nations instructors employed by her company will challenge any stereotypes travelers may hold about Indigenous women by teaching them traditional survival skills like hunting, archery, and horseback riding—activities that do not conform to perceived gender norms.”
Women-Owned Businesses Are Under Threat — 5 Meaningful Ways to Support Them This Holiday Season, from Know Your Value, NBC—“The good news is the upcoming holidays are the perfect time to help uplift struggling, women-owned businesses … ‘it appeals to a more purposeful gift, which is what this holiday season should be about,’ said Natalie Madeira Cofield, founder of Walker’s Legacy, a collective that helps women of color in business.”
