It is that time of year again. Last week, on November 15th, we marked Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. I could not let it pass without reflecting on what it truly means to celebrate women entrepreneurs.
I am not talking about the surface-level “rah-rah, girl power” kind of celebration (though, hey, there is always a place for that). This week, I wanted to dig deeper.
Let us talk about why women entrepreneurs really matter—not just for their own growth but for the greater good of society.
As the saying goes, “Women hold up half the sky.” But there is a catch: they are doing it with one hand tied behind their back.
The odds are not even
Despite the progress we have made over the years, it is no secret that women entrepreneurs face unique challenges. Women receive less than 3% of venture capital funding globally, even though women-led businesses consistently deliver better returns on investment.
That’s right—better returns, yet less funding.
This is not just a women’s issue. It is a societal, economic, and leadership challenge.
We live in an era where every other article talks about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet when it comes to actually supporting women starting, growing, or scaling businesses, we are still far behind. Let us not even get started on the unconscious biases that creep into boardrooms, investment pitches, and hiring decisions.
If we truly want to solve the big, complex problems of our time, we cannot afford to sideline half the population.
Women entrepreneurs often tackle issues that the rest of the world would rather ignore—healthcare, education, sustainability, and community well-being. These are areas that demand resilience, empathy, and long-term vision—qualities that women leaders consistently bring to the table.
Why Women Entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to drive change
You might wonder, “What makes women entrepreneurs so special?”. It is not just about their gender but their approach.
Women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses; they are building solutions. They are creating companies that reflect their values, solve real problems, and often uplift others in the process.
Take the growing trend of women-led social enterprises. Many women entrepreneurs are tackling food insecurity, affordable childcare, or environmental sustainability. They are stepping into spaces where traditional businesses and even governments have hesitated to go.
Why? Because women see the world differently. They understand that business is not just about making money (although that is important) but about making a difference.
Funding: The elephant in the room
We need to talk about money. Because it is hard to change the world if you cannot pay the rent.
Women entrepreneurs often start their ventures with personal savings or small loans from family and friends. Meanwhile, their male counterparts are far more likely to secure venture capital. (Ok, I understand not all male led companies, but it is statistically high enough to be noticeable).
It is not that women are not asking for money—they are. But the system is not set up to support them.
Many investors still hold subconscious biases that equate risk-taking with “masculinity.” Women are often seen as “too cautious.”
Here is the truth from what I have seen. Cautious does not mean fearful. It means calculated. Women are careful because they have had to be. They know they cannot afford to waste resources, so they focus on sustainable growth, thoughtful decisions, and long-term success.
That is the kind of leadership we need right now—leaders who adapt, pivot, and persevere.
Imagine if we put the same resources behind women-led ventures that we do for the next tech gadget or cryptocurrency startup. What if we funded women’s ideas to solve the real problems our societies face?
When women entrepreneurs thrive, communities thrive. This is not just about business growth; it is about community impact.
So, what can leaders (like you) do?
You might be reading this as a leader, a manager, or even a fellow entrepreneur. And you are wondering, “How can I help?” Here are a few actions you can take:
Put your money where your mouth is
Whether you are an investor, a customer, or someone with disposable income, support women-led businesses. Invest in them, buy from them, and recommend them. If you make purchasing decisions, diversify your supplier base.
Mentorship and sponsorship
Women entrepreneurs often lack access to the networks their male counterparts enjoy for a variety of reasons. If you are in a position of influence, open doors for them. Be a mentor, sponsor, or connector. A single introduction can make a profound difference.
Challenge your own biases
We all have unconscious biases, no matter how enlightened we think we are. Challenge yourself and your organisation to identify and address these biases, especially in funding or hiring decisions.
Advocate for policy change
Funding is not just a private sector problem; it is also a policy problem. Push for grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives to support women entrepreneurs. Even a pilot program targeting women-led businesses could yield transformational results.
Women Entrepreneurs are not a nice to have; they are essential
If we want a world that is more equitable, sustainable, and ultimately livable, we need women entrepreneurs to succeed. This is not just about ticking a diversity box—it is about survival.
Women bring fresh perspectives, different priorities, and innovative solutions to the table. And we need those solutions.
We often talk about resilience in business. But resilience is not just about bouncing back from a tough quarter or adjusting to a new market trend. Real resilience is about tackling problems no one else wants to tackle and thriving despite the odds. Women entrepreneurs have been doing this for years, often without recognition, funding, or the support they deserve.
Let’s commit to real change
Let’s not make November 15th another day to “celebrate” women with empty promises. Let’s use it as a moment to commit to real change. Support women who dream big and take risks—not just for themselves but for their communities. Give them the resources they need to survive and thrive. Invest in their ideas and support their impact.
Take a minute and shout out to a woman-led business in the comments below. And help spread the word about the remarkable impact of women entrepreneurs.
Because when women hold up half the sky with both hands, we all rise together.
And as always, if you invest in yourself, and the women around you, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
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