The Japan prime mister Shinzo Abe said ‘Japan must become a place where women shine’ at world economic forum (so-called Davos Meeting). That is true. Women can change even the way of working, the meaning of working, and what the society is look like. But, it seems we need more time and contribution. There are several hints from the article in Economist.
Throughout 20th century, the industrial age ended for the most part in the developed countries. Now, the world is going to the next stage; innovation is required for companies. The conventional company is now struggling to be innovative. It needs new ideas from women to survive the 21st century.
A woman entrepreneur Tory Burch argues that the world needs more women entrepreneurs. It is because women entrepreneurs could open totally new markets. Their ideas can produce totally new items even that men cannot think of. This is the so-called blue ocean strategy. While the red ocean is full of competitive companies, the blue ocean is entirely new market where only new companies swim. The management of companies also could be changed wholly. Women can understand well the problems women workers have, such as, child care, health problem, and family issues.
The problem is how to support the new women start up. When it comes to finance, it is said that women face harsh hurdles because of a lack of regulations and gender bias. Small loans can make a big difference. It might be time to think about setting up foundation for women entrepreneur version of Gramin bank?
While some women entrepreneurs are breaking in, other women are climbing the ladder to the top of Fortune 500 companies. Mary Barra was appointed as GM’s next CEO recently. She is the first female CEO in the company’s history. People call her ‘Detroit’s first lady’. She is also an engineer and knows cars very well. Even though the market is very competitive, she will give new insights to the Car Company, offer new perspective on technology, and open new markets. She is very important for women in workplace. She is not just CEO of large company; she can be a role model.
Sheryl Sandburg, Facebook’s chief operating officer, is the most famous woman in Silicon Valley. She wrote a book called “Lean in” to explain why so few women reach the top in business and politics. She is one of the most successful women in this age. Her message to ‘Lean in’ persuades women to be more engaged in the work place. She also explains that the work place needs to be more responsible for better working environment for women.
‘Lean in’ appeared exactly 50 years after ‘The Feminine Mystique’, an iconic book written by activist Betty Friedan. Still, women need to be brave to stand up. Gender is still an uncomfortable subject even in America.
The references
l Why the world needs women entrepreneurs
http://www.economist.com/news/21589133-investing-businesswomen-will-boost-economy-everyone-says-tory-burch-chief-executive-and
l Detroit’s first lady
http://www.economist.com/news/business/21591649-car-giants-new-boss-not-only-woman-car-guy-detroits-first-lady
l The feminist mystique
http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21573524-what-must-change-women-make-it-top-feminist-mystique