Today is the day we celebrate the achievements of women in history and across nations, including those in Airdrie.

March 8th is International Women's Day, also known as the United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.

Melissa Bentley, the President of the Airdrie Women in Business Association, says at the group's monthly meeting, they recognized International Women's Day and invited members to bring a friend and then educated them about different aspects of becoming a successful woman in business.

Bentley says that women who start business face a number of unique challenges, but she thinks the biggest one is that of confidence.  "Or I should say, a lack thereof.  A lot of women feel they have to defy social expectations of women.  Nowadays it's tough for them to put themselves on showcase and not necessarily put their family as a backseat but to kind of put themselves first, and women' aren't used to that.  We're used to putting our children first and putting everybody else first in our lives and so being able to actually put yourself first and your dream or your business or whatever it is, that's tough.  Defying those social expectations is a big one."

Bentley believes that societal expectations play a big part in a woman's lack of confidence.  "The expectations of a woman's role in society.  A lot of times the women are the homemaker and we're slowly starting to step out of that.  We can do it all!  Women are very empowered.  We can have children and we can run a successful business and have time for ourselves.  I think women sometimes feel that lack of confidence but deep down it is possible.  Lots of successful women are out there and they're finding that work/life balance and they're running successful companies.  I think just that lack of confidence, but women are feeling slowly empowered and I feel that Airdrie Women in Business are making a small group of women in Airdrie feel that way."

Although many people feel that the business world is a male-dominated industry, Bentley sees that changing.  "Just from my experience in the business world for the past five years.  It's about playing with the boys and I feel like a lot of men out there are accepting that.  They enjoy the fresh female voice in their groups.  I feel like it is changing and I think business networking groups, especially around Airdrie, I feel like that's helping."

Bentley says women may actually have an advantage over men in groups where they feel confident.  "I think it depends on the group.  Women will ask questions and network if they feel confident.  Being in Airdrie Women in Business, we empower women to feel confident and to voice those opinions or concerns.  I think as long as women feel like they matter and have that confidence they will step up and make those network connections and ask questions."

Bentley says she has one piece of advice for women considering getting into business for themselves.  "I would say, 'don't give up.'  There is so much support out there, especially in Airdrie.  Don't give up.  If you have a bad day, it's going to happen.  Everybody has bad days in business.  You have that support network for you.  Don't give up, find out what your end goal is, and work towards that.  It might be baby steps, but that's okay as long as you're stepping forward."

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com