Welcome to this Green Beauty Opinion in the run up to International Women's Day 2022 (IWD). In this opinion short, Formula Botanica CEO and podcast host Lorraine Dallmeier follows up on the previous podcast on the role of indie beauty in empowering a new generation of women entrepreneurs.

Lorraine reflects on why female entrepreneurship is so valuable in our societies. Against a backdrop of the pandemic, which according to the NGO Oxfam cost women in 2020 alone some 64 million jobs and $800bn in revenue worldwide, women now have even greater need to be included at parity in economic, social and political life.

Goal 5 of the UN's Sustainability Agenda recognises that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also key to fostering a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous world.

Women's equal representation in all spheres of life helps improve the overall well-being of society. Women's greater participation also helps educate societies, alleviate poverty and reduce environmental destruction.

Above all, women's entrepreneurship and women in leadership roles lift other women up, showing them what is possible to be and do. Women can further empower women, lifting all boats on a rising tide.

This is something we have seen time and again at Formula Botanica where our graduate and student indie beauty entrepreneurs not only lead by example, but also actively share know-how, give of their time and support those following in their footsteps.

We need to reevaluate what we mean by entrepreneurship and see its value lying not just in the ability to create wealth, but also in contributing positively to society. And it is in this sphere that female entrepreneurship has shown it has a major role to play.

Lorraine urges us to participate in International Women's Day and to be the change we seek. Join in, share your actions via social media and strike the IWD #breakthebiaspose.

Listen in for a thought-provoking opinion that challenges us to be the voice of change and integrity, making the beauty industry better and more sustainable.