Women-only spaces have been a staple in the women’s empowerment movement since long before the ratification of the 19th Amendment. For example, New York City restaurant Delmonico was one of the first spaces to hold a women-only luncheons. Now, the rise of female-centric workspaces has followed this trend in order to foster women-owned businesses.
“Women-only events create an empowering space where women tend to be very open in expressing their feelings and speaking up,” said Carin Sarafian, Delmonico’s Director of Special Events. “There’s a level of respect and familiarity that is not offered in mixed a setting.”
The Wing and the Riveter are some of the most prominent female-focused coworking communities and help value women in the workplace. One of the more recent communities catered to women in New York is Chief, a private network focused on supporting female leaders and guiding them into C-suite positions.
“I’m not the only woman at a table of all men. I can have a real conversation about the challenges that I’m facing—both as an executive, but also as a woman executive—and have no fear of being judged for that,” said Carolyn Childers, cofounder at Chief. “Finally, I have a community that’s for me.”
