Discover 5 Ways in Which Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World

Women entrepreneurs are a powerful force of social change, balancing masculine energy with the feminine power that is so urgently needed in order to create a better world.  In 2008, the Center for Women’s Business Research estimated that there are about 10.1 million businesses that are controlled by women (over 50% ownership).  This number equals 40.2 % of all businesses, generating $1.9 trillion in sales and employing 13 million people.  Of the 15 million new jobs expected to be created in the next 5 years, over 50% will be created by women owned businesses.

Here are five ways that women are transforming the planet through their businesses:

Compassion and Powerful Listening – Feminine energy in the workplace brings forth compassion and more effective communication.  With these ways of being, women are able to create trust and loyalty amongst employees and clients.  This leads to more stable and sustainable businesses and work cultures that foster cooperation and team work.  In this type of environment, employees are inspired to fulfill their potential and to volunteer their time to community projects.  They have a greater sense of ownership and commitment to their employer and are more willing to go the extra mile to represent their community projects.

Collaboration, Sisterhood, and Team Work – Male energy competes, female energy collaborates.   There is an awakening of women energy and feminine power taking place  all over the world, pulling us towards our deep desires to co-create the future.  Women are being called to unite and form partnerships with other like- minded women, in order to achieve greater social impact.

Social Entrepreneurship – More women are starting for-profit and not-for-profit companies with a mission of solving a social problem.  They are offering products and/or services that increase the quality of life of their clients.  This includes physical fitness centers, healthy eating restaurants, ethical financial services, holistic pet care, support services for the elderly, protection of the environment,  and high quality, results oriented literacy and training programs, amongst others.

Community Programs – Women are starting not-for-profit organizations to serve abused children, the elderly, children with special needs, adults with disabilities, the terminally sick, and many other societal needs.  These organizations are being led by powerful women who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.

Philanthropy –The IRS reported in the Personal Wealth Tables for 2004 (most recent year for which this information is available), that 43% of the nation’s top wealth holders were women.  Top wealth holders are defined as having over $1.5 million in assets.  Women control more than half of the private wealth in the USA and make 83% of the purchases.  Of the $41 trillion of wealth to be transferred to younger generations over the next 40 years, women are expected to inherit 70%, $28 Trillion, according to a study conducted by the Center of Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College.

“Giving circles” and women’s funds are on the rise, helping women to be more than just donors, becoming active partners with the recipient organization.  These funds are providing the capital for the advancement of education and health of girls and women worldwide.  According to Jenifer Buffet, “if you empower adolescent girls who are the mother of every child yet to be born—if they have better health and education, more empowerment, larger roles in their communities, and greater decision making, they can delay marriage and be better prepared to impact future generations.”