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International Women’s Day

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Date: 08 Mar, 2023

DSA Canada Members Embrace Equity

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, we are celebrating all the women who participate in the direct selling industry. Whether they work for a direct selling company or are a part of the 1.14 million Canadian women who run their own direct selling businesses, through their collective effort, dedication and achievements they #EmbraceEquity by forging the way for other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Meet some of our inspiring members below and read their commitment to #EmbraceEquity.

IWD Donna SGL

Donna Pinsonneault, CEO, She’s Got Leggz inc.

IWD’s theme this year is #embraceequity. In understanding the difference between equality and equity we see how the same solution for all does not always provide the desired outcome. An example of this difference in our environment is that we provide the same platform for all our Stylists to achieve their goals – that is equality. In trying to embrace the opportunity, some Stylists need more help, and some need less. When we take the time to coach and teach at all different skill levels, using the Stylists different technologies available, on time schedules that work for the Stylists, we help create equity.

Embracing equity, inclusion and diversity into our workplace is a reflection of our core values. I am ELATED that we are a woman-powered company! From our warehouse crew and our marketing team, to accounting, customer service and field development, and our CEO, we are 99.9% powered by incredible women! Add in our field of 1000+ women Stylists across Canada, and I feel we are over achievers in the equity mandate. I couldn’t be more proud!

One of our initiatives, our Leggz of Art program, embraces equity by creating opportunities for artists to participate in a leggings design process while being supported and promoted through a marketing campaign, as well as a donation
component. This program is an excellent way to open doors for some very talented people that may not have the means to develop their craft in this way.

It is important to us to provide free opportunities to learn and continually develop which is important in building transferable skills. From employee and Stylist related training, to challenges that help our field step outside their comfort zone, to hands-on workshops, we continue to embrace every opportunity to help women build their confidence, develop their skills, and pursue their goals.

Key pioneer women in the direct selling industry, such as Mary Ash and Brownie Wise, have played a crucial role in promoting and embracing equity when they started their companies. I wonder if they knew what a profound impact they would have on women, who make up 83% of the 1.37 million direct selling independent reps in Canada*. The direct selling industry provides such an incredible opportunity for women to own and operate their businesses, which has been instrumental in bridging the gender gap.

Through direct selling, women have the flexibility to work from home, set their own schedules, and balance their work and family life. By empowering women with economic opportunities, the direct selling industry continues to help promote gender
equity and reduce economic imbalance.

To me, IWD represents an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing work needed for gender equality, and to be an advocate for the women in the world who continue to face challenges. But it is also a time of celebration. Time to celebrate the
incredible achievements we have made in advancing women’s rights. Time to celebrate the progress we have made in creating equity for ourselves. And time to celebrate our resolve to keep pushing on. That’s a lot to celebrate, so at She’s Got Leggz we don’t just celebrate on one day – we celebrate ALL MONTH LONG!!

*Source: DSA Canada’s 2022 Socio-Economic Impact Study.

 

IWD Vida Mannatech

Vida Achundsada, Canadian Operations Manager, Mannatech and Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) Chair

Mannatech’s business opportunity is a powerful way for women to live their very best life. Everyone wants different things – whether they want more control of their financial future, more life balance, or to be a part of a community of like-minded women, each person starts with a different goal. But what we have learned is that once they start with Mannatech, this very soon leads to other personal accomplishments like personal development, leadership growth and having a sense of purpose.

With our health and wellness products, women can look better and feel better as they can create their own successful business on their own terms, without relying on traditional employment opportunities. This means they can work from home or anywhere with an internet connection, allowing them to balance their work and personal life.

Moreover, our training and support programs are specifically designed to help women develop their skills in sales, marketing, and leadership, so they can become confident and successful business owners. This can be an empowering experience, as women learn to take charge of their own success and build a supportive network of like-minded individuals.

During our January kickoff event, named EMPOWERED, we had a lineup of successful female speakers that shared their diverse history and what Direct selling means to them. They shared how it has indeed Empowered them to be independent and successful. In addition, this community of distributors provides women with a space to connect with other female entrepreneurs, share knowledge and experiences, and learn from each other. This sense of community can be incredibly empowering, as it helps women to feel supported and encouraged as they pursue their goals.

We also have a program called M5M, also known as Mission 5 Million, that aims to provide nourishment to malnourished children in underdeveloped countries by donating one serving of nutrient-rich PhytoBlend powder to a child in need. While the program does not specifically target women, it indirectly helps women by providing nourishment to their children. In many underdeveloped countries, women and girls are disproportionately affected by malnutrition due to factors such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Malnourished children, particularly girls, are at risk of stunted growth, impaired cognitive development, and poor health outcomes.

M5M helps improve their overall health and well-being, which can lead to better educational outcomes and economic opportunities in the future. This, in turn, can help break the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of women and girls in these communities.

Additionally, Mannatech has also partnered with organizations such as the Women for Women International and the Association for International Cancer Research to provide support for women’s health and empowerment initiatives. These partnerships help address the specific challenges faced by women in underdeveloped communities and provide them with the resources and support they need to improve their lives.

Having our Vice President of North America, Patty Anthe, being a strong, successful woman in our industry has given us the opportunity to grow. We are encouraged to speak up using our #courage sign and express our opinions and voices. While we are always encouraged to grow, having a strong mentor has been a game changer for a lot of us.

Being a single mom of two children, including a little girl, it is important to me to show her equity and what being an independent women is. I share the pride I have being in the direct selling industry and being the chair of the DSEF.

Overall, direct selling offers a unique and powerful opportunity for women who want to achieve financial independence and personal empowerment. By becoming a part of the direct selling community, women can take control of their lives, build successful businesses, and inspire others to do the same the same way I have.