WAT Celebrates Women's Equality Day

In honor of Women's Equality Day this year, let's work together to make gender equality a reality by supporting women-owned businesses.

Every year on August 26th, the United States celebrates Women's Equality Day to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This women-led civil rights movement is more important than ever in this voting year.

In 1973, Congress passed the bill introduced by Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) and designated August 26th, the anniversary date of the certification of the Nineteenth Amendment, as Women's Equality Day. Today, we celebrate this day to commemorate the suffragette movement and women's right to vote and call attention to our continuing effort to pursue full equality in the workplace, domestic environment, and beyond.

One hundred years after winning women's right to vote, is gender equality a reality yet? The answer is, not really. In 2020, although 40% of US businesses are women-owned, women only receive 7% of venture funds for their startups. Female entrepreneurs also ask for roughly $35,000 less in business financing than men.

Overall, in the United States, women earn 81 cents for every dollar men earn. Fifty years after the Equal Pay Act was signed, why are women still paid less? If we look at the "controlled" statistics, which measure pay for men and women for the same position and qualifications, women have earned 98 cents for every dollar men earn since 2016.

The reason why the gender pay gap still exists is that women occupy more lower-paying positions than men. Female representation is still lacking in high-paying jobs and leadership roles, especially in the C-Suite.

So, what can we do to close the gender pay gap? One of the easiest ways is to support women-owned businesses. Women in leadership positions are more likely to hire and treat female employees fairly. Plus, we need more boss women to empower other women! In celebration of Women's Equality Day, here are ten women-owned businesses you can support today.

Nubian Skin

Are you tired of "nude" underwear being light-skinned only? Nubian Skin offers a lingerie collection in various shades for women of color. Its founder, Ade Hassan, is a British woman of color who decided to launch the lingerie and hosiery brand with four skin tones catering to women of color. Nubian Skin products are on Amazon, ASOS, and Nubianskin.com.

Thinx

Perfectly white underwear ruined by period stains? We say NO MORE! Thinx is the only period-proof underwear designed to be worn during menstruation. Many menstruators even use it as a substitute for tampons or period cups! Their designs are anti-microbial, moisture-wicking, and leak-resistant, so say goodbye to period stains and start perioding better!

Les Girls Les Boys

Do you want to make a statement with your clothing? Try Les Girls Les Boys, a fashion brand founded "for minds and bodies of all ages to celebrate boundary-less connections." They make unisex underwear, loungewear, and streetwear pieces that are "un-filtered, unpretentious, and honest." These high-end fashion wear will 100% bring a new style to your closet!

Not On The High Street

Online shopping can be overwhelming sometimes. That's why British Entrepreneur Holly Tucker founded Not On The High Street to help consumers find small businesses online easily. The site notonthehighstreet.com is now the "home of thoughtful gifts," bringing thousands of carefully chosen arts and crafts from creators to customers.

Nolaskinsentials

The world needs Black Girl Magic! Nola is a Black-owned, vegan, cruelty-free, and hand-crafted skincare line catering to skin tone and skin types. They believe skincare products should be affordable, skin-loving, and natural beauty-enhancing. On Nolaskinsentials.com, Nola provides a skin quiz that will provide feedback based on your skin type and recommend products made for you!

Hija de tu Madre

In their own words, Hija de tu Madre "celebrates the beautiful mess that is being Latina and Latinx." Their art pieces and clothing are inspired by Patty Delgado's cultural crossroads and depict her Mexican-American cultural intersection. Their jewelry, apparel, and other fashion items all celebrate the complexities of being a product of more than one culture.

Briogeo

"Brio" is an Italian word that means vibrant and full of life. "Geo" is a Latin word meaning Earth and nature. Briogeo is a gluten-free, cruelty-free, and mostly vegan hair care line that provides texture-specific products for all hair types. Inspired by New York City's vibrant culture and core values, Briogeo reflects an appreciation for individuality, positivity, and transparency.

The Honey Pot Company

Beatrice Dixon founded The Honey Pot Company, a Black-owned natural feminine care product line, to create "the first complete feminine care system that cleanses, protects, and balances your vagina." The Honey Pot Co. is 100% natural, cruelty-free, and biodegradable. They also help provide menstrual care for humans with vaginas who are homeless, low-income, or living in poverty.

My Lit Box

Don't miss out on My Lit Box for all literary lovers! My Lit Box is a subscription box company that will send you a newly released novel by a writer of color plus one to two other treats. Mylitbox.com is also a community-driven literary blog committed to celebrating writers of color. Its Founder, Sanura Williams, turned her love of reading into a business that spotlights writers of color and gives them center stage.

WOMEN'S ADVENTURE TRAVELS

For all our adventuresses, find your perfect trip with WAT! Women's Adventure Travels is a boutique travel company specializing in small, well-curated, and customized tours for women. Founded by Karen Loftus, an award-winning feminist playwright, performer, storyteller, healing artist, and savvy traveler, WAT offers trips with an empowering and fierce feminine thread. If you want your journeys to be extraordinary, meaningful, and transformative, travel with WAT. We got you!

I encourage you to keep believing in a future where women entrepreneurs have the same opportunities and economic potential as their male counterparts. By supporting women-owned businesses like WAT and the many mentioned above, you support sustainable economic growth, invest in female empowerment, and push for gender equality in business and the workplace. To all the strong women and girl bosses and those on the rise, Happy Women's Equality Day today and every day!

Written by Aria Young