“We Can Do It” – Rosie, the Riveter
“We Can Do It” – was the iconic phrase accompanying Rosie the Riveter. Rosie, an American factory worker flexing her muscle, was the star of a campaign encouraging women to join the defence industries during World War II.
Since then, women empowerment has definitely come a long way. Women, are surging ahead in all professional fields, taking up positions in previous “men-only” occupations.
Entrepreneurship is one particular role where women are positively impacting the society, especially here in Malaysia. From spearheading space exploration, leading a positive mental health movement to educating women on making smarter financial decision, many of them are seen delivering a high sense of creativity, have immense dedication, and have contributed to generate a variety products or services.
Two out of every five early-stage startup founders are women – Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM)  2021/2022 Women’s Entrepreneurship Report
In celebration of International Women’s Day today, 1337 Ventures would like to spotlight four trailblazing Malaysian women entrepreneurs and ask them for one piece of advice on how to persevere. Why perseverance, you may ask?
It is because when we think of celebrating women’s empowerment, it is all about perseverance. The attribute of a strong woman who takes “NO” for an answer and keeps going for her place in society.
Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them. Happy International Women’s Day, ladies!
Regina Rahim – Founder, Wahine Capital
“As entrepreneurs, we are in the business of creating equity for the masses. We are the ones unbridled by conventions and silos. Unlike the life of corporate employment, where many a time, innovation of stifled and the original mission of the business is lost. But akin to the myth of Sisyphus’ punishment, what is the pain of entrepreneurship is actual the joy in perseverance. It is only with perseverance, that results are accomplished. I have no magic tip on how to improves ones’ perseverance skills but definitely if you don’t lost sight of what the big picture or goal is in doing what you do, whatever that is thrown your way is just feedback and not a measure of failure.Â
Nadia Ismail – Co – Founder & CEO, Pod
“I think one of the ways to build perseverance is to find flow in doing. If you think the problem your business is solving is worth working on, keep taking steps forward; no matter how small. It can be talking to users, working on marketing campaigns, tinkering with business models – no matter what the steps are, just keep moving forward, just DO.”
Dr.Norilmi Ismail – Founder & CEO, SpaceIn
“Celebrate the small wins. Small wins build momentum and motivate us to keep working towards our goals. By celebrating these small wins, we give ourselves a sense of accomplishment and a boost of confidence, which helps us stay committed to our larger goals.”
Samiksha Chandran – Founder, ECHO
“One tip on how entrepreneurs can improve perseverance and resilience is simply to celebrate their failures.Â
Celebrating your failures means acknowledging and embracing your mistakes, setbacks, and shortcomings as valuable learning experiences rather than sources of shame or disappointment. When you celebrate your failures, you shift your mindset from one of fear and avoidance to one of curiosity and resilience. You become more willing to take risks and try new things, knowing that even if you don’t succeed, you’ll still gain valuable insights and experience. By embracing your failures and reframing them as valuable opportunities for growth, you can become more confident, adaptable, and successful in achieving your goals.”
