Women in Entrepreneurship

Women represent one in four high-growth entrepreneurs globally.

Globally, one in six women reported an intention to start a business in the near future. The highest entrepreneurial intention rates were observed in low-income countries, where approximately 28% of women expressed intentions to start a business. 

“Women entrepreneurs play an important role in driving economic growth and advancing social development,” said GEM Executive Director Aileen Ionescu-Somers. “However, women are also over-represented among the smallest businesses in highly competitive, low-margin markets and industries. They face inequality in the home, carrying a heavier burden of family responsibilities, which contributes to increased economic dependence and decreased interpersonal power and privilege.”

“More attention needs to be given to women who are starting and growing high growth, high innovation and large market businesses. Stereotypes that frame women entrepreneurs as a disadvantaged group feed a false narrative that women lack the same competency as men regarding business leadership.”