Women Entrepreneurship Day is observed every year on November 19 to honor female entrepreneurs and to discuss their contributions to the entrepreneurial community. Did you know that the first female-owned business in the U.S. was established in 1739? Despite the advances made by women entrepreneurs since the Industrial Revolution, gender barriers, societal pressure, access to funding and mentorship, and lack of education still constrain their growth. Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is organized by the WEDO (Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization) and recognized by the United Nations and over 120 countries. On Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, pioneering women in various fields are given the WEDO Pioneer Awards.
Battle of Vertières Day
The island of Haiti unites to observe Battle of Vertières Day, a significant event in their war for independence, every November 18. The Battle of Vertières, the final fight between the natives and the French army before Haiti gained freedom, is celebrated across the country. The victory led to Haiti becoming the first country to stage a successful slave revolution and the first postcolonial free state in Latin America. The day is marked by a president’s speech and multiple patriotic and private events.
Republic Proclamation Day
Brazilians celebrate Republic Proclamation Day on November 15. On this day in 1889, the opposition triumphed over the constitutional monarchy through a military coup d’état that overthrew Emperor Pedro II and established a provisional government, the Republic of the United States of Brazil. This day is remembered as the day the country’s republic was born. The country would subsequently fight to abolish dictatorial rule, but November 15 is still remembered as a historic day that sparked democracy in Brazil.