Gather 'round, eco-warriors and sustainability enthusiasts! As we approach International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8th, it's time to shine a light on the incredible women steering the ship towards a greener, more equitable future. And yes, we're talking about the powerhouse women in business who aren’t just smashing glass ceilings—they’re turning the shards into stepping stones.

Accelerate Action: The IWD 2025 Theme

​International Women's Day, is a global event honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender parity. This year's theme, "Accelerate Action," emphasises the urgency of implementing swift and decisive measures to achieve gender equality. This theme highlights the need to address systemic barriers and biases that women face in both personal and professional spheres, urging individuals and organisations worldwide to intensify their efforts toward a more equitable future.

The Vital Role of Women in Business

Imagine a world where half the population's potential is untapped. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, historically, women's contributions in business were often overshadowed. Thankfully, the tides are turning. Women-owned businesses globally contribute a staggering $1 trillion to the economy each year. In Australia, women make up approximately 34% of all business operators, a number that's on the rise.

But why is this shift so crucial? Diverse leadership brings diverse perspectives, fostering innovation and resilience. Companies with higher female representation in leadership roles often outperform those without. That's pretty cool, really!

The Trials and Tribulations of Being a Businesswoman

Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Women in business face unique challenges. The gender pay gap, for instance, remains a persistent issue. In Australia, women earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and this gap has widened over the past four years.

Moreover, access to funding is a hurdle. Female entrepreneurs often receive less venture capital funding compared to their male counterparts. Yet, despite these challenges, women continue to plant seeds of change, nurturing ideas into flourishing enterprises.

Why Supporting Women-Led Businesses Matters

Supporting women-led businesses isn't just about fairness; it's about smart economics. Boosting women's workforce participation and productivity could add $128 billion to Australia's GDP. Moreover, women are more likely to invest in community and social initiatives, amplifying the positive impact. 

How Go For Zero is Championing Women in Sustainability

You might already know that our business is female-founded and led, but at Go For Zero, we're not just riding the wave; we're helping to steer the ship. Here's how we're making a difference:

• Women at the Helm: A whopping 89% of our brands are founded by women. That's right—when you shop with us, you support a sisterhood of eco-conscious entrepreneurs.

• Doubling Down on Impact: This International Women's Day, we're doubling our donations! For every purchase you make, we'll donate $2 to the UN Women's 'End Violence Against Women' initiative. This program focuses on protecting women and girls in Papua New Guinea, where up to 93% of women experience violence regularly. Each $2 donation can help two women live free from violence.

Curious Tidbits About International Women's Day

Did you know that International Women's Day has been celebrated for over a century? The first gathering was held in 1911, and it was supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. 

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the achievements of women in business and beyond, let's also reflect on the journey ahead. Supporting women isn't just a one-day affair; it's a continuous commitment to equality and progress. 

So, this International Women's Day, let's raise our reusable cups to the women making waves in sustainability and business. Here's to empowerment, equality, and a greener tomorrow.

If you loved this story, find more uplifting updates in our Happy Earth News Blog!

With Love, 
Ellie xo