Last year, we confronted a significant legal challenge involving a man who had evaded conviction for sexual assault for over 14 years. This man had been a persistent threat, with women at his workplace having to alert each other of his movements to ensure they could hide and avoid his advances. Every time they took him to court, he would get tapped on the wrist and do it again. 

As a former lawyer, an entrepreneur for over fifteen years, and a leadership coach for twelve years, I have worked with some of the most renowned women in the world. And I have seen firsthand the challenges that even the most successful women face. These experiences do not benefit the women whose environments force them into hiding or unreachable positions. To address these systemic issues, we need a different approach to how we work.

Our mission at WCorp is straightforward but profound: we aim to create workplaces where women, who make up 50% of the world’s population, are safe and supported, allowing them to succeed. It is not enough to just have a job; we need environments where women can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination.

Why is this important? Businesses with high representations of women on boards financially outperform others by 66%. Gender equality represents a $12 trillion economic opportunity. Allowing women to work without impediments would revolutionize the global economy.

On January 2nd 2024, we initiated WCorp. We analyzed data from 96,000 women, developing measurements to create successful work environments. Women experience different life stages—periods, perimenopause, pregnancy, menopause, and caregiving for elderly parents. These stages often force women to leave the workplace due to lack of support and understanding. 

Imagine a workplace designed to accommodate these life stages. Women wouldn’t have to leave work to address mental health issues or take a day off for menstrual health. They wouldn’t need to apologize for their natural life processes. Women would remain in their careers, contributing continually without interruption.

Many women leave their professions not because they want to, but because they feel forced out by circumstances. I have been a single parent my entire adult life, and the inflexible work environments often made it impossible for me to stay employed. This experience led me to start my own business, but not everyone has that option.

 We need workplaces that support women in all aspects of their lives. Our goal is to certify as many businesses as possible, creating a global standard for supportive and inclusive workplaces. As more businesses get certified, it will set a precedent, compelling others to follow suit.

To achieve this, we need your support. Share this article to help spread the word. It is our collective responsibility to drive this change.