The united shopping day designed to create a gender-balanced economy set for November 27th, 2019

Women-Led Wednesday is a collective brand campaign designed to spotlight and encourage holiday shoppers to support women-founded and -led brands. Similar to purpose-driven shopping holidays like Small Business Saturday, Women-Led Wednesday is dedicated to supporting a specific business group – women, women-identified, and non-binary/genderqueer brand leaders – in efforts to create a more gender-balanced economy.

Beyond the November 27 Women-Led Wednesday holiday, the initiative is dedicated to promoting and uniting women-led brands year-round. The newly launched Women-Led Wednesday website and directory allow visitors to explore, search for and learn more about women-led brands.

Hikers gather at PCT Days in Cascade Locks. Purple Rain Skirts owner, Mandy, is pictured second from left.

Owner of Purple Rain Adventure Skirts shares what the initiative means to her. PR Skirts has one annual sale in an effort to be competitive in the holiday sales market. In years past I have jumped on board for Small Business Saturday, which is HUGELY important to spotlight small businesses in the land of 75% off Black Friday sales. However, when I learned of Women Led Wednesday it resided much more deeply with me. It’s more than a sale, it’s a way of life for myself and family. I work my booty off as a full time mom, home manager and business owner. It feels good to see a light shine on the business side when that work sometimes comes third! I know a lot of other women can relate to that. By investing in me you are helping me invest in my family, shop local and live our values.

Today, women are 50.8% of the population and 52% of the professional-level work force in the U.S. but only 25% of executives and senior management officials, 20% of board seats, and 6% of CEOs among S&P 500 companies. As of 2018 there were more CEOs named James than women of any name running Fortune 500 companies according to a study published by the New York Times.

“There’s no shortage of discussion and a lot of viable paths to get more women in the C-suite and on Fortune 500 executive boards,” said Women-Led Wednesday Creator and Wild Rye Co-Founder Cassie Abel. “I believe that one of the best and fastest paths to create a more gender-balanced economy; however, is to shine a light on and encourage everyone to vote with their dollars for brands that are already led by women.

Visible female leadership is so important to the health of our global economy long-term, the collaborative initiative aims to encourage holiday shoppers to shop women-led brands on November 27, 2019 and the other 364 days a year.

“Participating brands are thinking bigger than themselves and understand that a rising tide lifts all ships,” Abel continued. “After over 100 brands committed to the initiative in a two-week period the first year, I knew the idea resonated with women business leaders. Women are eager to support each other in a way that’s really special. Year two is shaping up to be much bigger with more brands, bigger brands and a more coordinated effort. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish—we truly are stronger together.”

WomenLedWednesday.com serves as the campaign’s primary discovery hub and directory of women-led businesses. Established female-led consumer products brands and retailers can join for the 2nd annual through the “join us” tab on the website.

Website: www.womenledwednesday.com

Instagram: @womenledwednesday

Twitter: @womenledwed

#WomenLedWednesday #ShopWomenLed