ww Restarting Your Career After Having A Baby

Strategies For Restarting Your Career After Having A Baby

  After having a child, most parents want to return to work as soon as possible. The average American parent with young children spends just 19 weeks caring for them before returning to work. But for many parents, this time frame is shorter than they would like, especially if they plan on returning to their old careers. There are many challenges when re-entering the workforce after having a baby; balancing childcare responsibilities and job opportunities, establishing credibility in your field, and building your network again. However, it's not impossible with the right mindset and well-planned strategy! This blog post details tips for moms who struggle to find their ground at the workplace after having a baby.   Come up with a post-baby job strategy The first step to re-entering the workforce after having a baby is to develop a post-baby job strategy. What field do you want to re-enter? Do you want to go back full-time, part-time, or from home? What level do you want to work at (e.g., entry-level, senior level, etc.)? Which companies would you be interested in working for? Keep a detailed list of potential job opportunities and companies to apply to. Make it a goal to use at least one chance per week and follow up with those applications. It will help you be organized and focused on your post-baby job strategy while ensuring you have plenty of options.    First, let go of the guilt You may go through mixed emotions about returning to work, ranging from intense sadness to eager anticipation. Feel free to express yourself through crying, laughing, writing in a journal, or contacting a friend. Indulge in preemptive nostalgia in the weeks leading up to the end of my mat leave, lamenting our last mat-leave breakfast, our last mat-leave walk, and our last mat-leave diaper change.   Network, network, network The best way to re-establish your career is to start networking! Your network comprises all your contacts who know you and your skills, and it is a great way to find job opportunities and recommend others for positions. You can network with old colleagues, friends, and family. Joining online networks like LinkedIn is another great way to expand your professional network. A hiring manager will work with you to identify opportunities that are a good fit for both of you. If you have a larger social network, you have a better chance of finding a solution that suits your needs regardless of the path you follow. Additionally, being part of a network will help you stay connected and engaged in your field, which is essential for re-establishing your credit.   Use your vacation time While returning to your old job after a long pause, you might not be able to return full-time immediately. Instead, use your vacation time to ease back into the workforce gradually and have time to find childcare. It would not be the greatest idea; however, it is one way to make the transition easier. Moreover, consider taking online courses to ease back into the workplace.   Take assessment tests If you have been away from the job market for a long time, you may be unsure of where you stand in your field. In this case, you can consider taking assessment tests that are designed to help you determine what you are qualified for. Preparing for the exams will give you an idea of what fields you should focus on and may also help you receive job offers. Unlike when you first entered your old job, you must prove that you can excel in the field again.   Start Soft The best way to adapt to a new routine is to ease into it. The best way to ease back into working life after dropping off your child at daycare is to ease in gradually by starting with just a few hours a day. You can use the time to shop for a new back-to-work outfit or to just, you know, use the bathroom in peace. Some companies provide what are called "soft returns" or "graduated returns," in which employees are given fewer duties, which means a gradual increase in workload at work until the target hours each day or week are met. If you can't start back on a weekend, a midweek or Friday return will help ease the transition back to work.   Set milestones for yourself Transitioning back into work life can be challenging, especially since you will likely be doing everything independently. To make the transition less painful, set milestones for yourself, such as finding childcare, building your network again, reading up on industry trends, etc. These milestones will help you keep track of your progress and know when you are ready to start applying for jobs. It will help you be motivated and see that you are almost there!   Commit to continuing education When you first entered your career, you probably committed to continual education, but then maybe you let it slip away as your child grew. Now, you have another child and want to return to work. Always make time for furthering your education. Taking advantage of available online course options is one approach. This way, you can accomplish things at your own pace, focus on what matters most to you, and finish up whenever it suits you. Committing to continual education will help you stay current in your field, which is crucial for re-establishing your credibility.   Prepare for set-back The first few weeks back at the office were definitely the most challenging ones. You may realize that you are reaching a breaking point managing a newborn and transitioning back to work; and feel very exhausted.  Different parents will face different obstacles on their way return to the workplace, such as the common cold, teething, and snow days. A backup child care arrangement is helpful, as is remembering that "this, too, shall pass."    Set your boundaries Don't bother the childcare (or grandparents or stay-at-home partner) too much with updates while you're at work. You will be informed of any urgent situations. Have fun wearing those nice dress pants you pressed the night before (or didn't; we won't tell anyone). Appreciate the chance to engage in mature discourse with your coworkers. If you work from home, define your boundaries on when you will and will not be available. Make an effort to put your workweek behind you as you clock out. Your pre-baby self could schedule to finish off some tasks in the evenings or on the weekends, but this won't always be possible (or desirable). Surely, you wouldn't want your phone to be ringing off the hook with "urgent" after you've left work (or returned to "on-limits") for the day; you may need to get creative with how you schedule your time.    Conclusion Ultimately, re-entering the workforce after having a baby is challenging but rewarding and necessary. You can do a few things to make this transition easier, such as coming up with a post-baby job strategy, networking, using your vacation time, taking assessment tests, setting milestones for yourself, and committing to continual education. This is not easy for anyone, but it's certainly doable! Continue reading blogs at WomenWire.com to remain motivated and ahead in the game. 
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Business Ideas for Women Who Are Struggling to Find Success

  Let's be honest: not every business idea for women is a home-based cosmetics company, a subscription hair care service, or a clothing boutique. Depending on your circumstances, training, and background, it can feel like you have fewer options as a woman than men when starting your own business. And while those ideas are great if they suit you personally, most women will find they struggle to get funding or even customers in these industries. Fortunately, the difficulty of finding that perfect niche doesn't mean there aren't plenty of exciting opportunities out there for female entrepreneurs. In fact, some of the best business ideas for women might seem niche at first glance but are packed with potential. Here are our top recommendations.   Healthcare Healthcare is a booming industry projected to see a significant increase in investment and hiring over the coming years. There are tons of different areas of the healthcare industry that are suited to start-ups, from biotech to medical technology. A healthcare practitioner with expertise in one of these areas may want to consider launching a consulting firm. This could be anything from clinical trials to personalized healthcare solutions. If you're not a medical professional, you might want to consider areas like medical billing and coding, a field seeing high growth but a low supply of workers.   Travel From setting up your own tour company to becoming a travel blogger, there are various ways to make money in this industry. To start, you'll want to build your reputation and brand as a trusted source of information within the travel space. As you grow your following, you can offer affiliate marketing products like books or courses, or you can sell advertising on your blog. With a significant readership, you can begin marketing vacation packages to your readers. With little ingenuity and work, you can make a lot of money in this field. You can focus on anything from destination management to cruise vacations. You must also focus on a specific type of client, like families or couples. To succeed in this line of work, you must have excellent communication skills, be outgoing, and love meeting new people. Additionally, you need to have excellent organizational skills, be self-motivated, and be detail-oriented. You'll need a computer or tablet with internet access and office supplies like pens, paper, etc. This will improve your chances of being seen by potential customers.   Non-profit work Non-profits and charities often feel like they're swimming against the current regarding fundraising. With the general public feeling increasingly strapped for cash, it cannot be easy to get donations from the average citizen. Suppose you have a passion for working with non-profits and an idea for a project, you might want to consider starting your non-profit organization. There are tons of opportunities for start-ups in this industry, and it's an area that really needs support. This might be an excellent way to get started if you have an existing network of contacts and an idea for a project.   Food and dining If you have an idea for a food business, we're sure you can find something that suits you. From healthy snacks to gourmet meals, there is something for everyone. You can create a business that aids in weight loss by selling nutritious options that are low in calories. If you are passionate about food, you can open a gourmet shop and sell imported or specialty foods. You can also help people eat healthier by providing advice on proper nutrition. If you have a nutrition degree or a health science background, you can help people eat healthier by advising them on the best foods to purchase. This might be a good option if you've thought about starting a food truck. They're relatively easy to set up and relatively cheap. They are a great way to connect with customers at community events or just driving around your neighborhood. If you have a knack for the kitchen and want to share your expertise with others, you may open your culinary school. This is an excellent side business; you can use it to teach classes that aren't available in other cities.   Professional services Professional services are an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs who are exceptionally skilled in a specific area. If you have specific expertise or a skill that is difficult to locate, you may want to explore opening your own consulting firm.  If you have knowledge of finance, management, or other fields knowledge, you might consider starting your own business coaching practice or mentoring other start-ups and business owners. This is a relatively easy industry to break into, and you can tailor your offerings to the clients you want to work with.   Beauty and Wellness The beauty and wellness industries are some of the world's most profitable and growing industries. If you are passionate about these areas, you might want to consider starting your own business in this industry. There are tons of different opportunities in the beauty and wellness industries. You can choose to specialize in a specific product or service, like skincare, massage, or even health and wellness coaching.   Running the business from home Some popular work-from-home jobs include virtual assistant, social media marketing, freelance writing, transcription, and inventory management. To find the right work-from-home job, consider what you enjoy most in your current job and what skills you have that can be transferred to a remote position. Virtual assistants are responsible for organizing their bosses' schedules and often collaborating with colleagues to help with significant events or projects. Social media marketing is an excellent option for those who love marketing and have experience creating quality content for their social media channels. Freelance writing is a great option for writers who want to work from home. Transcription is another option for those who have excellent transcription skills. Finally, inventory management is a great option for those who enjoy inventory tracking and have experience in inventory management. You can specialize in a single field or offer a wide range of services, but choosing something in high demand is essential. You can run a virtual assistant business, an internet marketing consulting business, or an online tutoring service. You can also offer skills as a virtual bookkeeper or virtual transcriptionist.   Questions Every Woman Ought to Ask Herself Before Launching a Business Remember, Rome was not built in a single day. You must be willing to invest several hours, days, months, and years to build a thriving enterprise. It calls for careful preparation, focus, and effort. Before starting a business, there are a few fundamental questions you should ask yourself: In what ways do you hope the company will benefit you? Do you need supplemental or primary income? In what proportion of your time can you expect to be able to work for the company? Is there a need for what you're trying to sell? Do you have the expertise necessary to manage the chosen company? How receptive to instruction are you? If you replied yes to every question above, then you are good to proceed.   Conclusion Over the past many years, the number of very successful female business owners has increased dramatically around the globe. Women are making strides in many areas of business. However, picking the correct business to launch can be challenging for women eager to strike out on their own. Women who would like to establish their own business but worry they don't have what it takes to do so shouldn't let that stop them from pursuing their dreams. All you require is to find the industry that best suits your skills, temperament, and interests, and you'll be off on your way towards success. There are tons of opportunities for entrepreneurs in every industry. Whether you want to break into food, wellness, or something completely different, with these ideas from WomenWire.com, you'll have no trouble finding a way to make your mark.
womenwire best career in nursing

The 13 Best Nursing Career Options In 2022

  You've probably heard that the job market in the field of nursing is very competitive and that finding work in any industry is challenging. That's why we are here to help you. Continue reading this article to help make up your mind and choose the best nursing career.  Below are the 14 best nursing careers to consider:    1. Nursing informatics specialist The field of nursing informatics has been around for a while. Still, it has recently gained popularity in our tech-driven culture. Nurses who specialized in informatics had lofty goals in the 1980s. Despite the widespread positive effects of informatics on nursing, practitioners agree that much remains to be done. Nurse informatics is a growing industry with many opportunities as electronic health records (EHRs) and mobile devices become the norm in healthcare. Nurses with a focus on informatics now mine data for insights about how to enhance clinical processes and provide superior patient care.   2. Virtual Nursing After reading about it online, nurses can tell you countless anecdotes about patients who self-diagnosed and treated a health condition. With the help of a computer, a phone, and video call software, a "virtual nurse" can give sound advice and treatment to patients. Because of the development of telemedicine for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, a virtual nurse's duties may expand beyond those of a primary care provider. One example of a task you might be assigned is triaging online appointments. A virtual nurse can provide peace of mind that their care has not been interrupted for housebound patients owing to illness or other factors. Good communication and technical proficiency are required for virtual nurses.   3. Nursing midwife In addition to delivering babies, nurse midwives serve as primary care physicians for pregnant women and infants. More nurse midwives are needed because of their adaptability. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts nearly double the national average of 5% job growth through 2030.   4. Mobile health care The concept of travel nursing was developed to address a deficit in the nursing workforce. It has since become a well-liked career path for those with a taste for adventure. A nurse's assignment could take her anywhere, from a picturesque setting to the scene of a natural disaster. A travel nurse may be substituted for a regular staff in the event of a strike.  A staffing agency can help any licensed nurse, nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, or certified nursing assistant find a temporary position in another location. A high degree of adaptability and the capacity for change is essential. Higher-than-average compensation and free or low-cost lodging are two of the perks of working as a travel nurse. The United States also has openings for international nurses with the necessary qualifications to work here.   5. Nursing educator Facilitate the development of future nurses by imparting your wisdom and insight to them. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reports that in 2020, over 80,407 suitable students sought admission to nursing schools but were partially denied due to faculty shortages, namely a lack of competent candidates with masters or doctoral degrees in education. There will undoubtedly be a rising need for nurse educators. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing predicts a large percentage of nurse educators will retire within the next decade, leading to a scarcity of faculty members in academic institutions across the country.   6. Home care nursing Even while patients spend less time in the hospital, they still require support once they leave. Because of this, the demand for nurses who provide care in the home has increased. And yet another factor? As medical technology improves, more and more complex procedures may be performed on patients in their own homes. A home health aide can expect to see many people in their care. People at all ages and stages of life, from seniors to newborns to those recovering from injuries or living with long-term diseases, may be under your care. A home-care nursing career may be a suitable choice if you're looking to avoid the hospital setting and instead form lasting bonds with a consistent clientele.   7. Nursing case manager More people in the United States are living longer, which means more work for case management nurses. Since individuals are living longer, there will be greater demand for long-term support and counseling while dealing with chronic diseases. RNs that specialize in case of management oversee a patient's treatment, keep tabs on their budget and available resources, and make sure their loved ones are taken care of. These nurses are often the ones to make crucial decisions.   8. Geriatric Nursing When you add that the baby boomer generation is getting older, you have a recipe for the rising demand for senior nurses. The duties of a geriatric nurse are similar to those of a regular registered nurse (RN). Still, they also specialize in caring for patients with age-related conditions and disorders like cancer, Alzheimer's, and osteoporosis. You will also act as a patient advocate, which is especially important when dealing with older patients who may have problems expressing their preferences.   9. Emergency room nurse A critical care nurse needs to make decisions quickly and accurately. Many are employed in hospitals' intensive care units (ICUs), where they care for patients with life-threatening illnesses like burns and heart disorders. Critical care nursing is rapidly developing as more hospitals build intensive care units and nursing homes care for critically ill patients. Nurses working in intensive care units must be adept with high-tech equipment and multitask.   10. Neonatal/perinatal nurse Women and their newborns are the primary focus of both neonatal and perinatal nurses. Healthcare professionals who assist mothers before, during, and after delivery are perinatal nurses. Care for newborns up to 28 days is a regular aspect of a neonatal nurse's job following birth. Babies born prematurely or with major medical issues often require the exceptional care provided by neonatal nurses in specialized wards known as neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Perinatal nurses, also known as labor and delivery nurses, are present to support and educate the patient and their partner throughout the entire birthing process at a hospital or birthing center. Perinatal and neonatal nurses need strong communication skills because they are responsible for informing patients and their families about pregnant and infant care.   11. Pediatric Nursing To succeed in pediatric nursing, you'll need to have a genuine passion for working with children of all ages. As a pediatric nurse, you will often have to check and treat children who are too young to comprehend why they are being prodded and poked. You'll also need the ability to speak with authority figures like parents and teachers. Nurses specializing in pediatrics can be found in various healthcare settings, from general practitioners' offices and children's hospitals to urgent care centers and rehabilitation clinics.   12. Mental health nurse Working as a psychiatric nurse can make it easier for people to get the mental health care they need. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that due to a lack of trained mental health professionals, only 44% of adults and less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the assistance they require. Psychiatrists and doctors rely on these nurses to help them interview and diagnose patients. Knowledge of mental health concerns and the empathy and maturity to work with those with mental illness is essential for success in this position. Mental health nurses provide care to patients in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in schools, correctional facilities, and hospitals.   13. Labor or delivery nursing In the nursing profession, you may experience highs and lows of intensity, tension, and happiness. The nurses who assist in childbirth need to be able to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances, from encouraging a laboring mother to taking charge if complications occur. They must also be able to accept the loss and be ready for the times when the outcome is devastating.   Nursing is a life-long learning process The healthcare sector is ever-changing as new technologies and therapies are introduced. To be effective in their ever-evolving roles, frontline nurses must constantly expand their knowledge and skillsets. Career-minded nurses who view themselves as lifelong learners are better positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities and assume expanded roles in the healthcare system. Enroll in CE classes: Nurses are expected to complete CE classes at regular intervals (often every two years). For specifics, please contact your state's board of nursing. Acquire credentials: If you want to work in a particular field of nursing, which may require you to specialize, one option is to become certified in that area. This will convey to potential employers that you are dedicated to the field and have the necessary skills. Complete your master's degree, and you may be eligible for positions as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, certified nurse midwife, or certified nurse anesthetist.   Changes in Nursing Profession Nursing is known for being both incredibly fulfilling and incredibly demanding. Some nurses, after several decades of practice, opt to specialize in a particular area of nursing. Returning to school is often the key to making a positive shift in one's life. Choose a subfield within nursing, such as midwifery, by pursuing a master's degree. If a master's degree in nursing isn't in your future, you can save time and money by enrolling in a shorter certificate program. A wide range of specialty certifications is available for your perusal. If you have a passion for teaching and mentoring future nurses, you may find success in the role of nurse educator. Nurses with advanced degrees (a master's or doctorate) are in high demand as instructors at colleges and universities. To work in medical research, you need a Ph.D. or DNSc in nursing, the highest possible degree in the field. Potential improvements to nursing care may result from your efforts.   Conclusion Depending on your interest, you can choose from these nursing careers and take a leap in your professional growth. Be assured that WomenWire.com is there to support you in all your endeavors. Keep on reading our blog for more inspiration and updates on how to become the best version of yourself. 
US Women Soccer

The 10 Best US Women Soccer Players of All Time

Did you know that the U.S. Women's National Soccer team has won the World Cup twice, back-to-back? Did you also know that they finished as runner-up in three World Cup tournaments? The U.S. women's soccer team is one of the most successful teams in the history of international women's soccer. These ladies are so good that even their male counterparts recognize their skill. If you're a fan of women's soccer, reading this article will interest you.   #1. Michelle Akers   The most prolific goal scorer of her generation, the soccer player Michelle Akers was the captain of the U.S. Women's Soccer team that dominated the international women's soccer scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although she was not only a prolific goalscorer, Akers was a master at setting up teammates for goals and distributing the ball. Akers had many noteworthy qualities. She was also an exceptional ball defender who could mark almost any player on any team at any moment. In 1991, Akers won the golden shoe and was named the FIFA Player of the Year. Akers withdrew before the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney due to the symptoms of a dislocated shoulder sustained in 1999 during the World Cup, when a supporter harmed her when she ran a lap with the team after a victory. With 105 goals, she was the second-highest scorer in the annals of women's international soccer at the time (now 11th all-time).   #2. Brandi Chastain   Brandi Chastain is a former soccer player who was a member of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team from 1988 to 2004. She is best known for her iconic celebration after scoring the winning goal in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final. Although Chastain's primary position was as a midfielder, she also played forward, defender, and sweeper during her career. She was a prolific goal scorer for the U.S. Women's National Team and is ranked 13th on the all-time scoring list for the USWNT (United States Women Soccer National Team). She is also the only player in the history of the World Cup to score 3 goals in a single game.  She was awarded the FIFA Player of the Year (1999) Award and was named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. She has also received the World Soccer Player of the Year Award. Chastain has been inducted into the National Women's Soccer Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the California Women's Hall of Fame in 2019.   #3 and #4. Carla Endres and Hope Solo   Carla Endres and Hope Solo were two of the best goalkeepers the U.S. Women's Soccer team has ever had. Solo is still playing for the team and ranked highly on our list. Carla Endres was a goalie for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team from 1991 to 2000. She is the most capped goalkeeper in the history of the USWNT and the only goalkeeper to win two FIFA World Cups. Her extraordinary talent was on full display in the United States quarterfinal penalty kick victory over Brazil at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. Despite the team's loss in penalties to Japan, Solo was named the tournament's top goalie and given the bronze ball for her efforts.   #5. Joy Fawcett   Joys Fawcett was a member of the USWNT from 1987 to 2000. She played as a defender and sweeper and is the only player from the team to have won three FIFA World Cups. She was also named U.S. Soccer's Player of the Decade for the 1990s. Fawcett is the player who, in 1999, broke the record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA Women's World Cup tournament with a swooping six goals. She gained 241 caps with the United States women's national soccer team (WNT) and retired from the WNT in 2004 as the greatest scoring defender of the U.S. WNT. A member of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) from its inception, Fawcett was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009. She was in the movie Soccer Mom as herself.   #6. Mia Hamm   Hamm is the most famous American soccer player ever, and her likeness was used as the basis for the WPSL's (Women’s Premier Soccer League) official emblem. Over the course of his 30-year career, Hamm set a new record with 158 goals scored in 275 games played and was twice voted FIFA's World Player of the Year. She is one of only two women, along with Michelle Akers, to be included on FIFA's list of the 100 best living footballers. She has won the World Cup twice and the Olympic gold medal twice.   #7. Christie Rampone   Rampone is the only participant to have won the World Cup in 1999 and the 2015 tournament. For eight years, the rock-solid defender led his country to Olympic and World Cup glory as captain. She retired with 311 caps (the second-most in USWN history), earning her the moniker "Captain America." In 2017, coach Jill Ellis referred to her as "the glue" on the team's internal side. "She was open to having new people join the team, and she had great communication skills. She was a natural leader who not only set a good example for the rest of us but also exerted considerable influence. She's a world-class human being both on and off the field.” He adds.   #8. Carli Llyod   Already having an impressive resume, Carli Lloyd's three-goal effort in the 2015 World Cup final solidified her status as a USWNT great. In just 16 minutes, she scored a hattrick, with the third goal being a memorable midfield blast. She finished the World Cup with six goals, earning her the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. When it mattered most, Lloyd won the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. She scored in the 96th minute to overcome Brazil after a scoreless first 95. The midfielder, who also won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics (scoring twice in the final), hit the century milestone in 2018. With over 50 assists to his name, Lloyd leaves the field as one of the most productive forwards in American soccer history.   #9. Tiffeny Milbrett   Tiffeny Milbrett may have only been 5'2", but her contributions to the team's triumph in crucial matches were crucial. The 1996 Olympic gold medalist had previously scored three goals at the 1995 World Cup. Then, in 1999, she scored three goals at the World Cup. Milbrett scored her final international goal on the same day that Carli Lloyd made her debut for the U.S. women's national team. It was only fair that the guy who sealed an Olympic gold medal carried the metaphorical torch of goal-scoring brilliance.   #10. Abby Wambach    Wambach, the last decorated player on our list, has helped smooth the way for the next generation of U.S. women's soccer stars. She fractured her leg in the team's last game in 2008. Therefore, she could not compete for gold that year despite earning an Olympic gold medal in 2004. Wambach's drive and determination shone through at the World Cup last summer when she scored a late goal against Brazil and the game-winning goal in the championship match. Wambach has scored 122 goals in 162 games for the national team, which is over a goal per game. Sadly, her efforts have not been rewarded with a World Cup victory.   Final Words   Thanks to their outstanding play, the U.S. women's soccer team has become a fan favorite worldwide. You should also know that these ladies are not just talented athletes – they are role models as well. WomenWire.com applauds the women around the globe who are making a mark in their professional fields. Continue reading our blog if you are looking for more inspiration and being the women of the century and owing it.
womenwire Women's Equality Day

Women's Equality Day: Why It Matters and How You Can Help?

  Women's Equality Day falls on 26th August every year. This date marks the granting of voting rights to American women in 1920. It is a day to reflect on how far women have come. However, it's also a day to recognize how much work still needs to be done to achieve equality. Gaining voting rights may not seem like such a big deal now, but at the time, it was a challenging and long-fought battle. And if you think about it, things haven't improved too much for women since then. This is why we need Women's Equality Day.    The history behind celebrating Women's Equality Day For many years, National Women's Equality Day has been observed. In 1973, it was the direst year. Since then, the date has been declared by the President of the United States. The date was chosen to commemorate the day in the 1920s when then-Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby issued the proclamation that granted women in the United States the constitutional right to vote. In 1920, the day was the culmination of 72 years of agitation by a massive civil rights movement for women. Prior to such movements, even distinguished intellectuals like Rousseau and Kant felt that women's lower standing in society was quite rational and acceptable; women were 'beautiful' and 'unfit for serious labor.' From Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt battling for civil rights and equality to exceptional scientists like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Jane Goodall, remarkable women have disproved these prejudices during the past century by proving that women are capable of achieving anything. More than ever before, the last century has proven the equal potential of men and women when given the chance to succeed. The freedom to vote is only one example of how women's equality has progressed. There is still widespread oppression and violence against women, as well as prejudice and stereotyping in every culture, but groups like Equality Now and Womankind Worldwide are working hard to change that. The President makes a proclamation every year recognizing the incredible contributions of trailblazers in this cause. President Barack Obama stated the following in 2016: "Today, as we mark the anniversary of this hard-won victory and pay respect to the trailblazers and suffragists who helped us move closer to a more just and prosperous future, we commit to defending this fundamental right and promise. To continue working for equality for women and girls."   Why is Women's Equality Day so important? Even though we still have a long way to go, we must celebrate how far we've come on Women's Equality Day. If we ignore the progress we've made, we risk being in denial of the challenges still facing women across the globe. Women are vital to our society and are equally important as men. On Women's Equality Day and every day, we need to lift and support the women in our lives. We must tell our daughters and sisters that they can be anything they want. We need to say to our wives that they are loved and appreciated. And we need to tell our mothers that they are appreciated and loved. Women are just as important as men and deserve to be represented equally in our society.   Commit to gender equality by joining the fight The fight for women's equality is far from over. In many regions of the world, women are still considered second-class citizens, and many women face many challenges in the U.S. too. There are plenty of issues women face today that we need to confront before we can even begin discussing equality. Women's Equality Day allows us to commit to fighting for gender equality once again. Regardless of the gender, each one of us as individuals can work on it in numerous ways, from supporting organizations that work for women's rights to simply talking about the issues facing women in your life with your friends, family, or on social media. There's no one right way to fight for women's equality, so find a way that feels comfortable and natural to you.   Help women in your community Are you living in a big city or a smaller, more rural town? If you're living in a big city, you may not even realize that there are plenty of ways you can help out women in your community. If you're living in a smaller town, the opportunities to help women in your community may be slightly limited. However, it's not impossible. Women's shelters, for example, operate in most major cities across the U.S. They're always looking for volunteers and people to provide donations. Suppose you want to focus on women's empowerment specifically. In that case, plenty of organizations are dedicated to helping women launch their businesses. You can also look into volunteering with children in your community. Kids need support too, and there are lots of organizations that could use your help. Finally, you can always get involved with outreach at your local church or temple. Many places host events or programs focusing on women's empowerment and self-care. Last but not least, if you are the owner of your firm, today is the day to take the necessary steps to ensure that you may proudly proclaim that your company has achieved equality for all employees. Do you have a salary disparity between men and women at your company? If that's the case, figure out how to alter it. Understandably, you can't raise everyone's pay rate immediately, but you may begin brainstorming ways to ensure that women are paid fairly. This is correct in both monetary terms and terms of the opportunities afforded to them.   Be the difference to make a difference It isn't always possible to make a huge difference, especially if you're just starting your activism. That's okay, though! It's crucial to take baby efforts toward making a change and creating something that serves your needs. If the thought of getting involved in activism makes you anxious or worried, remember to take it slow and do what feels comfortable and natural to you. Here are a few small ways you can help make a difference today: - Educate yourself on women's issues. - Get involved with a cause or organization you believe in. - Get talking about the issues facing women in your life. - Throw a Women's Equality Day party or gathering with your friends. Let the women in life know that their work is appreciated. You don’t always have to join a shelter or a non-profit organization to support women. Start from your home and workplace, and be the difference you wish to see in society. Stand up for your colleagues, your wives, your sisters your daughters when you encounter them being maltreated or in any compromising situation.    Conclusion Women's Equality Day aims to inspire people to take action. It’s a reminder that we still have work to do to achieve gender parity is a sobering thought. We may still make a difference by dedicating ourselves to the cause, assisting women in our communities, and taking the baby steps that add up to a giant leap forward. Supporting women is a boon to society as a whole. WomenWire.com hopes to have encouraged you to make your baby step toward the growth and nurture of women today.