Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, celebrated on 19th November to recognize female entrepreneurs all over the world, is an important day in the GCIC calendar. November is also Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and International Men’s Day coincides with Women Entrepreneurship Day on the 19th and therefore, we recognize the essential contributions and well-being of everyone in our community, honoring the journeys of both women and men as we build a stronger ecosystem together. 

While a significant number of commemorative dates for women highlight milestones toward equality, such as International Women’s Day, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, and the International Day of Rural Women, we also acknowledge observances that focus on the well-being and positive contributions of men1. Each of these moments is a reminder that an inclusive future depends on uplifting every member of our community. 

For decades, intentional focus has been essential to advancing women’s rights and opportunities across social, economic, and political spheres. This work remains vital; an ecosystem that supports everyone enables stronger collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth. As one insightful article notes, “When gender equality intentionally includes boys and young men, it builds bridges to belonging, emotional resilience, and partnership2.” 

GCIC’s approach to gender inclusion reflects this balanced vision. Through our Women Entrepreneurs Transformation Programme (WETP), we empower women-led ventures with targeted resources, networks, and mentorship. Complementing this, our Inclusive Masculinity workshops provide a dedicated space for male entrepreneurs to reflect, connect, and grow; exploring topics like emotional well-being, collaborative leadership, and positive partnership. Additionally, we hold joint WETP and Inclusive Masculinity sessions to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and stronger allyship across our entrepreneur community. 

In a world moving toward greater equality, outdated models are being replaced by collaboration, authenticity, and shared responsibility, and this helps create a culture where everyone can contribute fully. 

As we work toward a truly inclusive green economy, we recognize that lasting change requires the engagement of all. International Men’s Day, centered on six positive pillars3, reminds us to: 

• Promote positive male role models in all areas of life. 

• Celebrate men’s contributions to society, family, and community. 

• Focus on men’s health and holistic well-being. 

• Address areas where men face discrimination or unmet needs. 

• Improve gender relations and advance equality for all. 

• Work toward a safer world where every person can thrive. 

GCIC’s Inclusive Masculinity sessions offer a supportive forum where men can explore these topics openly, guided by experts and peers. By creating spaces for dialogue, we help share burdens, foster resilience, and encourage growth not only for men, but for the entire GCIC community. 

Together, through WETP, Inclusive Masculinity workshops, and joint sessions, we are nurturing an ecosystem where women and men alike are empowered, heard, and equipped to lead side by side, toward a sustainable and inclusive future. 

References 

[Ref 1] — A comparative search reveals numerous global commemorative dates for women, highlighting milestones toward equality and wholeness. 

[Ref 2] — Adapted from Fiifi Boateng, “Are We Leaving Boys Behind in the Gender Equality Conversation?”, LinkedIn. Original quote contextualized to reflect positive inclusion. 

[Ref 3] — The six pillars of International Men’s Day. Adapted from Brown Shipley, “International Men’s Day”. Retrieved from: https://brownshipley.com/en-gb/news-and-insights/international-mens-day