Celebrates Women’s Economic Contributions, Defends the Freedom to Work on Their Own Terms
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation recognizing the vital and growing contributions of American businesswomen to the U.S. economy and global competitiveness.
Today, Independent Women honors this legacy by commemorating the 39th anniversary of American Business Women’s Day and celebrating the enduring impact of women in the workforce.
Patrice Onwuka, director of Independent Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity, said:
“Women are making strides in corporate America, but also thriving in their own business endeavors as entrepreneurs. President Reagan proclaimed today as a day of observance 39 years ago because the massive contributions women were making to America’s economy and global competitiveness were a sign of our progress and promise.
“Today, 74 million adult women work, comprising nearly half of the workforce. Women own 35% of the nation’s 35 million small businesses and 31% of the nation’s franchises. Policymakers can honor women in business by protecting their choices in work.
“Women should have the choice to work in a traditional 9-to-5 job, but if they desire greater flexibility they should have full access to freelance, self-employment, and side hustles. Efforts by lawmakers to limit independent contract work are anti-woman and anti-worker. Women should not be forced into traditional work or robbed of their choice over their time and labor.”
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