In today’s society, it’s common sense that equality and equal opportunities for everyone contribute to social and economic growth and development. Despite this, women still face biases in numerous industries, making it challenging for female entrepreneurs to succeed. It’s up to us to break down these barriers and educate others to promote fairness and equal treatment.
Although the number of women entrepreneurs in the United States has increased by 58% compared to overall businesses, women still own only 20% of all employer firms, with approximately 12 million US businesses being owned by women. Women are less likely than men to seek funding for their businesses and receive less funding than men. Obstacles that lead to these disparities may include women having less access to resources than men, not getting enough support, and experiencing cultural and stereotypical barriers related to discrimination.
In a study on sexism women face in the tech industry, it was revealed that “Can I speak with your boss?” is one of the most frequent questions women in tech hear. This is in addition to other comments such as “Sorry, am I being too technical for you?” and “Not bad for a girl.” It’s incredibly frustrating that even in today’s world, people still hold prejudices that create greater challenges for female entrepreneurs.
To bridge the gap between entrepreneurial men and women, many studies and articles suggest various practical steps such as encouraging investment in female-led businesses or creating new banking products specifically for parent entrepreneurs to take the burden of caring for families from women. However, these recommendations don’t necessarily address the root of the problem, which is cultural biases and social prejudices. In order to make lasting change, we need to encourage more discussions on the importance of female inclusivity in workplaces, schools, and institutions, and how society as a whole can benefit from it both socially and economically.
Additionally, we need to introduce more female role models and showcase more successful businesswomen in popular culture. We must also teach girls to feel confident in broadcasting their abilities instead of being held back by a fear of failure. These changes won’t happen overnight, but it’s a start towards creating a more equitable and diverse society.
As a digital marketing expert for Johnson & Johnson, and someone developing a tech startup, GLAMLAB, Angelina Liparteliani has experienced firsthand the biases and barriers that female entrepreneurs face. It’s up to all of us to take action and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
