Women Entrepreneurs Day

Every year on November 19, the global observance known as Women’s Entrepreneurship Day honors the vision, creativity, and achievements of women who launch and lead businesses, innovate, and drive economic and social change. Founded in 2014 by Wendy Diamond through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), the day seeks to spotlight the contributions of female entrepreneurs worldwide, support their journeys, and help remove barriers they face. ¹

History of Women Entrepreneurs Day

The idea emerged as a response to the fact that although women perform a large share of work globally, they often have less access to economic opportunities, leadership roles, and capital. Wendy Diamond launched the inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in November 2014, with events held in 144 nations on that first year.

Over time the day has grown into a movement supported by events, awards (such as the WEDO Pioneer Awards), and advocacy for policies, funding, and networks that help women-owned businesses thrive.

Why is Women Entrepreneurs Day important?

Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day matters because empowering women entrepreneurs has far-reaching benefits—not only for the individuals themselves, but also for economies, communities, and innovation. Greater female participation in business drives job creation, contributes to economic growth, and helps build more inclusive societies.
It also draws attention to ongoing barriers such as unequal access to finance, fewer mentorship opportunities, social norms, and digital divides—highlighting the need for action and systemic change.

• It honors women who launch and lead enterprises.
• It raises awareness of gender-specific barriers in entrepreneurship.
• It inspires future generations of female founders.
• It encourages investment, networks, and support for women-led ventures.
• It fosters economic growth through diversity and inclusion.

How to Observe Women Entrepreneurs Day

You can mark this day in practical and meaningful ways—whether you are an entrepreneur, a supporter, a mentor, or simply someone who wants to make a difference. Participate in or support local events, share stories of women entrepreneurs, mentor or invest in female-led startups, or highlight the importance of women’s economic empowerment. Emotionally, the day is an opportunity to recognize the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women in business—and to commit to building networks and systems that help them succeed.

• Attend or host a panel, workshop or webinar focusing on women in business.
• Mentor a woman starting or growing her business, or connect her to a network.
• Share success stories of women entrepreneurs on social media using the hashtag #ChooseWomen.
• Shop at or invest in a women-owned business or startup.
• Reflect on how you or your organization can remove barriers and support women entrepreneurs.

Women Entrepreneurs Day Dates Table

1. https://www.joinwedo.org/[↩]