Being a woman entrepreneur is already a revolutionary act—you are building something that challenges traditional business structures, defies outdated expectations, and creates financial independence. And if you’re also a feminist, you probably care deeply about the injustices happening in the world. But caring about everything can be overwhelming. The sheer volume of bad news can leave you exhausted, anxious, and disengaged.
It’s natural to care, but I don’t want you to ruminate, get stuck in endless rabbit holes, or let your outrage consume you. That’s where burnout happens, and when you burn out, you’re no longer effective in your business or in making a difference.
So, how do you stay engaged and aware without losing yourself in the overwhelm? It comes down to three things: focusing on a cause, finding your community, and embracing rest as a form of resilience.
1. Focus on a Cause That Fuels You
You don’t have to fight every battle. You don’t have to be the expert on every social issue. Instead, choose one or two causes that deeply align with your values—causes that fire you up and feel personally meaningful.
When you do this, your activism becomes more impactful and sustainable. Instead of spreading yourself thin, you become a trusted advocate in your area of focus.
For me, I focus on women’s rights (including reproductive rights) and intersectional feminism as well as rights for LGBQ+ folks. What do you want to advocate for? Pick an issue that’s close to your heart and go deep.
2. Find Your Community
Feminism isn’t a solo act—it’s about sisterhood and collective power. Trying to hold up the world on your own is a fast track to burnout. That’s why being part of a community is essential.
Surround yourself with people who share your values and understand the emotional weight of activism. Whether it’s a business networking group, an advocacy organization, or a close circle of feminist entrepreneurs, your community helps you:
- Process your feelings instead of bottling them up
- Take collective action instead of feeling isolated
- Feel supported when the weight of the world gets heavy
This is why I believe so deeply in spaces like Virtual Networkers. It’s not just about business networking—it’s about creating a space where women can lift each other up, share their frustrations, and turn those emotions into action instead of burnout.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Rest
Here’s something society doesn’t tell women enough: rest is an act of resistance.
The expectation that we must always be “on”—always fighting, always informed, always available—is unrealistic and unsustainable. The truth is, you don’t have to engage with every news cycle. You don’t have to doom-scroll Twitter until midnight. You don’t have to let your empathy drain you dry.
When you rest, you recharge. And when you recharge, you can show up stronger, clearer, and more effective.
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by all that’s wrong in the world, take a deep breath. Remind yourself: I care. I am engaged. And I am allowed to step away when I need to.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Being a woman entrepreneur already puts you in a position of power—you are rewriting the rules of success, shaping your own future, and lifting up other women in the process. That alone is a powerful form of activism. But you don’t have to burn yourself out to prove you care. You can stay aware and engaged while still protecting your peace.