Supporters agree that the public and private sector need to engage more than they do right now. Last June, Christine Legarde said, “There are many policy actions that can help women join the workforce or start businesses: better and more affordable child care, more flexible work arrangements, improved access to finance, and legislating equal rights for women to own property.”
Privately, organizations need bold programs and services to advance women’s role in society. One example: Walmart’s plan to double its sourcing from women-owned businesses worldwide as a part of its year-old Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative. It also aims to provide retail training to 200,000 women internationally, disburse $100 million in grants and launch a new e-commerce outlet on Walmart.com that will feature products created by female entrepreneurs . That’s bold!
Waiting Isn’t an Option
But we can’t wait for policy change. And companies a fraction of the size of Walmart can do their part, too.
Some ways to make positive changes quickly:
• Don’t assume you know who she, your customer, is or what she wants.
-Improve your research on product innovation and the retail experience.
• Trash outdated rules for employment status. The future of work embraces flexibility.