March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to acknowledge women’s fight for equality and celebrate the progress made on issues such as economic opportunity, reproductive rights and violence against women. There is still progress to be made here and elsewhere, but we have come a long way.

Just take a look at the town of Knowlton and notice how many of our businesses are owned and operated by women. Stores, cafés, professional services, artistic services, big business and small – women are at the forefront of our economy and community. Women stars of industry and world-renowned personalities call Knowlton home. There are so many women-run businesses, in fact, that it would be impossible to mention them all in a single article.

Women-Owned Businesses Flourish

Clothing designers and stores, antique and furniture businesses, artisan-products businesses, cafés and restaurants, catering businesses, physical therapy services, the bookshop, artists and writers, graphic design and computer services, speciality products manufacturers, local real estate businesses – so many of these local gems are owned and run by women. If you need someone to clean your home, take care of your children or a loved one, make spectacular flower arrangements, re-upholster your furniture, there are women-owned businesses for that. If you or your dog need a haircut, if your garden needs tending or a redesign, if you need a dentist or medical attention, or if you need a notary or help with your taxes, there are plenty of women-owned businesses and professionals to help.

Keep Up the Fight

Many of us are old enough to remember a time when women did not have the kind of economic or professional opportunities that exist today – a time when women were prevented by legal injustice, sexism and prejudice to reach their potential or fulfill their dreams. We still face gender-inequality issues. That is why is important to keep fighting for equality and social justice. For our daughters and our sons.

Our local women entrepreneurs do more than just run successful businesses. They create jobs, mentor our youth and reinvest in the community. Their leadership and innovative approaches strengthen the community and help make Brome Lake a great place to live.

From all of us at Tempo, heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful women who own and run businesses and who work to make our community a better place.

Let’s celebrate and support women and daughters – not only on March 8, but every day of the year.