Gender equality used to be a major issue in every industry. A common stereotype held that while a male should work to support the family's necessities, a woman should stay at home to care for the children.
Now, women are contributing to household income as well. But they also open the door for further chances and financial success outside of their home.
With the support of their families, as well as their own tenacity and labor, many women have built great ventures in today's world, despite the fact that there are still challenges to be overcome. But despite the odd circumstances, they are thriving and flourishing.
In celebration of Women's History Month, let’s recognize some of the successful female entrepreneurs in their respective fields.
OPRAH WINFREY
Oprah had a tough childhood. She came from a difficult household and was sexually abused. She persevered through all the pain and still looked at the good side in every circumstance. She persisted in working toward her goals.
At the age of 19, she was promoted to co-anchor at a local news station. She eventually continued her broadcasting career by hosting morning shows, and in 1986 she debuted the iconic Oprah Winfrey Show.
“Challenges are fists that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”
ZHOU QUNFEI
Zhou has a total net worth of 6.3 billion USD, making her one of the richest female businesswomen of all time. Owner of Lens Technology, she provides touch screens to well-known electronics manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei.
She is one of the wealthiest businesswomen, but she didn't get successful overnight. The history of Zhou is pretty miserable. Her father was a severely injured former soldier in the military. She was five when her mother passed away. She began working as a factory worker in a lens factory in her teenage years to help support her family. She persevered despite all the obstacles.
"I had a pursuit different from others because they all came downtown with money, but I didn't have any. All I wanted is to change my destiny with my own efforts."
KIRAN MAZUMDAR-SHAW
Mazumdar-Shaw struggled in the early years of owning the biotech Biocon India because of her gender and degree of experience. There were some who questioned her leadership, but she handled all of those criticisms with patience and used her knowledge and expertise to guide the business to its highest potential.
“I want to be remembered as someone who put India on the scientific map of the world in terms of large innovation. I want to be remembered for making a difference to global healthcare. And I want to be remembered as someone who did make a difference to social economic development in India.”
LOIDA NICOLAS LEWIS
Loida Lewis is a Filipino-American businesswoman, lawyer and philanthropist. She is the widow of Reginald Lewis, the CEO and founder of TLC Beatrice.
After a year of grieving over her husband's passing, Loida went back to fully hands on the company. She never backed down and carried on with what her husband left behind, despite the obstacles that arose because of her gender and color.
Armed with humility, she runs their business with the utmost care and with the purpose of helping more people. Loida and her family keep supporting charities and groups that work to improve their neighborhood. These are some of the reasons why we need to read her book, “Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?”, which tells more about her journey and life lessons that will give inspiration to be a better person.
"Set your goals, have your own code of ethics and have much determination."
Who said that the world of finance is for men only? Women are paving the way to more great opportunities and success in finance.