We celebrated the International Woman’s Day last week.  Lately, from revolutions in the Middle East, to polarizing political debates in the US, and online campaigns all over the globe, women are at the forefront of social and cultural change.  Yes, women are blooming, and this is a good time to share a bit about our emerging leaders–the Gen Y women.

The Gen Y (aka milllenial) women have a different life path than you can imagine.  Levi’s survey in 2010 reported:

• 96% list “being independent” as their single most important life goal

• 87% define success as being able to shape their own future

• Only 68% say becoming a mom is on their priority list

• 50% say getting married is a priority

• Just 43% ascribe much importance to getting rich

Put differently, half of young women do not see marriage as a priority and one third say the same about becoming a mom.  And it is not so much about getting rich as it is about shaping own future.

We all know Gen Y is a wired, digitally connected generation.  But did you know women are becoming more active users of digital media than men?  According to Neilsen’s digital consumer report, women are:

• 51% of TV viewers

• 53% of online video users

• 54% of social network/blog visitors

• 50% of smartphone owners

These differences are not statistically significant, really.  Plus, I neither believe it should be a man’s world nor a woman’s nation.  But I am hoping that this type of data sharing will help negate stereotypes and dichotomies that are still out there in media and advertising–even politics.  Did you know women control/influence 85% of all major buying decisions?  We couldn’t tell by our media coverage and ad campaigns.  I’ve always believed the media’s misrepresentation of women has led to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in this country.  And I believe the Gen Y women will change all that…!!!

I’m starting to feel like Farnaz Global is also blooming like this beautiful Spring.  Please take a moment to re-visit my web site and check out the new additions.  I’ve also updated my Twitter and Facebook Fan Page.  Please follow me….I’ll follow you back…!!!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy Spring Equinox, coming up next Tuesday, 3/20.  This is also the Persian New Year.  So if you see or talk to any Iranian next week, say “Eidet Mobarak” which means happy norooz (new day/year).  This is a new day, new year, and The New World Marketplace.

Thank you so much for all your support.  I truly appreciate all the warm notes from everyone last week when I introduced my book.  But there was a lot of confusion about the release date.  To clarify, the official release date is June 5th.  That’s how long it takes for the publisher, distribuor, wholesaler and internet sites to all get on the same page.  However, my book is available on my web site, as well as my publisher’s site.  And you can receive your copy 7-10 days after you place your oder.