When we talk about women leaders, we must look beyond the iconic figures in executive and political positions, and focus on a group of brave and visionaries: entrepreneurs. From those at the head of the most innovative companies to those founding small projects, they all represent a powerful force that challenges the status quo.
These women not only exemplify determination and leadership, but also play a vital role in promoting gender equality in the workplace and society. Entrepreneurs are the spearhead of a real and concrete transformation.
The impact of female entrepreneurs
First of all, they are job creators and their impact on the lives of other women is undeniable. According to ASEM, 72.7% of people who work in companies founded by entrepreneurs are women; in contrast, with 38% of those founded by men. By creating their own companies, they open employment opportunities for more women with equitable salaries. This is crucial as it empowers female workers by providing them with financial independence and opportunities for professional growth.
But the social impact of this is greater, since it is reflected in a better quality of life for them and their families, children or economic dependents, who are mostly older adults. On the other hand, it is important to mention that domestic violence is due to many factors, one of them is economic, since many women continue with their abuser because their income is usually insufficient to support the family.
Inclusive labor policies
Another big change that female entrepreneurs are bringing is flexibility in time management and the implementation of inclusive labor policies. Although many companies already have this type of practices in place, it is worth looking at how they are doing it and what results they are obtaining.
Hiring for skills and not gender is said to be easy, but within the recruitment processes many biases persist, as well as prejudices with work permits, such as paternity or maternity leave and care of children and family members. Well, as long as women continue to be in charge of these jobs, they will continue to be the ones who have to be absent from work at every school meeting or every time one of their parents gets sick.
Pursuing an inclusive work environment allows workers to achieve their professional goals without sacrificing their personal well-being and sets a standard for the industry as a whole.
Third, female entrepreneurs have a significant impact on business growth. Their strategic approaches result in healthy financial statements that allow their companies to have a future, even in the most challenging markets. By breaking gender barriers, these women are demonstrating that diversity of thought and experience is an invaluable asset to any company.
An inspiration for all
When I talk to entrepreneurial women, I never cease to be surprised by their resilience, their ability to overcome obstacles and lead with determination. Seeing their companies grow or seeing them in relevant events and magazine covers is undoubtedly inspiring for the women who (whether we are entrepreneurs or not) come after them. Her face gives us women visibility and motivates us to achieve our goals.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Mexico and the world need more female entrepreneurs, but to achieve this, many gaps must be broken, from the challenge of obtaining capital (which for them is even greater), to the prejudices that exist around female leadership. Entrepreneurs are a thermometer of equity and seeing more of them founding and running companies is a sign of progress and that benefits us all.
Entrepreneurs are a true agent of change, they are a source of inspiration for other women and they are showing us that entrepreneurship and professional success have no gender. It’s time to break barriers, to celebrate and join the women who are forging a path towards a more equitable future. Let’s become the entrepreneurs of our own lives!
By Joselyn Castro