Candice Mohan
As a self-employed female entrepreneur in the multimillion-dollar beauty industry, women-owned businesses help power up the economy, bringing innovation and diverse perspectives.
What better way to inspire others than to champion those already making significant waves and help pull up others?
The women in business trend is on the incline, but it is not the ideal always expected. For centuries, women have battled a stereotype that involves staying home to cook, clean, and care for the family. This was my experience with past generations.
With a desire for greater opportunity for equality and overall improved satisfaction with life, women began to enter the workplace and have been widely successful across various industries.
For decades, women have fought for equality in the workplace and have made significant strides in breaking down barriers and glass ceilings. The stories of real-life experiences have been expressed in casual conversations with my female clients, friends, and even family members.
Women-owned businesses have played a vital role in this fight, creating jobs and driving innovation while inspiring a new generation of women entrepreneurs.
During my early teens, I was fortunate to have several mentors who saw potential in me and inspired me to pursue leadership roles. These mentors were pivotal in shaping my future and here we are today as I “inspire inclusion” within my industry.
The hairdressing industry has faced gender inequality issues for many years.
Statistics in 2023 show over 90 per cent of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are women.
Creating fair opportunities is never easy, no matter which aspect of life we want to address. However, the most challenging task is probably bringing more equality to our work environment. One of the industries with inequality issues for many years is the hairdressing industry.
In the eyes of many, the profession of a hairdresser is the perfect job for the female. But, we should ask ourselves if it is true.
Although no law requires employers to create fair opportunities for all employees, more and more regulations are being developed to help support equality in the workplace.
It is important to note that having equal opportunities does not mean all employees should be treated equally regardless. Instead, it means that everyone has the same chance to get a job and work towards developing their career.
While both men and women hairdressers use the same tools and buy them from the same shops, saying there are no differences between them would be untrue.
Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. The message to be sent out is that we embrace and not just tolerate diversity. Inclusion is not a matter of political correctness. It is the key to growth.
How can we Inspire Inclusion?
“Inspiring inclusion” goes beyond acknowledging the need for it. It involves actively promoting and encouraging behaviours and practices that foster a sense of belonging and empower women to reach their full potential.
Moving from understanding the importance of inclusion to taking tangible steps is crucial.
Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions and experiences respectfully, fostering empathy and understanding.
Remember, inspiring inclusion is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and commitment from all individuals and organisations.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Inspire Inclusion”, carries a powerful message that extends far beyond a single day of celebration. It is a call to action, urging us to create a world where all women, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstance, feel valued, empowered, heard, and actively included in every aspect of society.
Let’s embrace the power of diverse perspectives and create a world where all women can thrive.