The concept of coworking spaces is relatively new, but they are popping up near every major city around the world. As more professionals are branching off into their own business or freelancing, coffee shops and offices are becoming crowded and boring. Coworking spaces offer a variety of plans, making them affordable for any budget. But another perk of this concept is the innovative push toward office culture and community. The purpose of these spaces is to create your own environment–from choosing who you work around, the aesthetic, and how much you pay. Although flexibility is a major draw, the biggest incentive is diversity. Not only do these space include numerous career fields, but they also create opportunities for new entrepreneurs and business concepts to take shape.

Women on the rise

Since the 1920s, there have been roughly four waves of feminism. The first two fought for equal representation in politics and throughout the working class. While the first wave was successful in gaining women the right to vote, the second wave (starting in the 1960s) has received backlash over the past few years for disowning femininity in order to appear equal to their male counterparts. Although the second wave achieved a lot toward equality, it fueled the third wave of women who played into their femininity while also making their way into leadership roles.

In the early years of the “American Dream,” men fueled the working class. During the 1940s, men stood for over half the working class and leadership roles, but their numbers are slowly declining and women are on the rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects women to represent 55% of the workforce in 2024. That’s a steady rise compared to 2017, where women stood for almost 47%. Unfortunately, this percentage does not include women in leadership or fortune 500 companies. In regard to those numbers, women only represent about 20%.

How coworking changes everything

Although coworking isn’t a credited reason for women rising in the workforce, it facilitates growth as like-minded women (and men) come together for the same goal. Overall, people want to succeed in business. To do this, you need to meet people in need of your service. For some women, their clientele is women, moms, girls, students; but for others, it’s everyone – regardless of gender. What makes coworking unique is its ability to bring all these people into one space. Whether it’s a female owned/operated clothing store looking to meet with retail partners, a nonprofit needing a place to start, or a freelancer wanting a break from her home and coffee shops, coworking gives you the freedom to make this transition and surround yourself with women supporting you.

Regardless of your stage in life or membership at a coworking space, women are on the rise and will continue only when there are more women supporting women. If you share this thought and are looking for a space to network, email kasey@cancollab.com to learn more about opportunities at Cornerstone Coworking. And join us on March 21 at 5pm as we continue our celebration of International Women’s Day with a women’s-only series. We would love your participation in empowering women through coworking.