Why Women Might Need a Community to Get Themselves Out There.
Stronger Together: Empowering Women on the Entrepreneurial Path
I have come up with exciting and original business ideas time and time again. I’ve poured time and energy into projects, getting deep into the business plan stages, only to start doubting whether it will succeed. Doubts creep in every time: Will I fail and look foolish? Will it cost too much money? Do I have the right skills? But above all, I realise that I lack the confidence to go it alone along the path of entrepreneurism. I need someone at my side to offer moral support.
… Will I fail and look foolish?….I lack the confidence to go it alone…
You might argue that if I can’t push through these doubts early on, maybe I’m not cut out for entrepreneurship. But I disagree. There are many reasons why it can seem like an insurmountable task. For me I have needed the knowledge that I am not going it alone. Having a business partner—or two—at your side can make all the difference. As a woman in my 40s, I’m no longer driven solely by the thrill of a challenge. I have three kids, a husband, and a home to manage. While I’ve grown in many ways, I’m also more aware of the potential risks, knowing that others rely on me. My husband has a very demanding job and my children are still young and need me to be available at specific times of the time and cannot do with me having burn out. I’ve been out of employment (apart from the odd self-employed side hustle) since having my children, which has definitely taken a toll on my confidence. I feel disconnected from the business world, and imposter syndrome often creeps in. Is it too late for me to start? Who will listen? How can I balance work and family? What if I fail? These questions have plagued me time and again.
…This emotional struggle is a reflection of the broader issue of the ‘child penalty,’ where women often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities while trying to maintain professional success.
Despite progress toward gender equality, many women still bear the greatest responsibility when it comes to parenting. Whether it's due to our maternal instinct or the bond formed during pregnancy, becoming a mother often creates a permanent connection with our children. This deep attachment can make it challenging to return to any semblance of our former lives. Once we give birth, the responsibility for our children becomes permanent, and our needs are often put on the back burner. While many of us are okay with this, it creates a paradox: we might curse our exhaustion, question our desire to return to work, or even feel guilt for wanting time away from our children. When we do return to work, we face heartache, guilt, and difficulty focusing—all while juggling the emotional turmoil of being away from our children.
This emotional struggle is a reflection of the broader issue of the ‘child penalty,’¹ where women often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities while trying to maintain professional success. The expectations placed on women to be both nurturing mothers and successful professionals are real. For women, especially those in leadership or entrepreneurial roles, the demands of motherhood—including increased time spent on caregiving—often drain resources and energy, affecting their profitability and growth.
…is it really worth going back to work just so that you can afford to cover the childcare costs?!
Women are forced to make difficult choices, such as scaling back career ambitions, reducing working hours, and accepting lower pay. It becomes harder to pursue high-powered positions that require long hours or business travel, and in many cultures, fathers are still not expected to take on the primary caregiving role. We also face the constant pressure of being ready to leave work at a moment’s notice if our children fall ill, which disrupts deadlines or important meetings. And then there is the question, is it really worth going back to work just so that you can afford to cover the childcare costs?! 1 in 5 women in the UK are prevented from working more hours than they would like because of childcare needs.²
Despite advances toward gender equality, women continue to navigate a tough balancing act between motherhood and career aspirations—an emotional struggle that men don’t often face. A stark example of this disparity can be seen in Norway, where women business owners experience a 30% drop in profitability ten years after giving birth, compared to their male counterparts, who face no such decline.³
Meanwhile, men generally don’t face the same pressures or trade-offs. While they too juggle work and family life, they are not burdened by the same societal expectations, which often leads to fewer career disruptions. This underscores the ongoing gender disparities in the workplace and entrepreneurship, despite strides toward gender equality. The reality is that women are still expected to mother their children while also striving for career success—an emotional tug-of-war that men rarely experience. To level the playing field, there needs to be better support systems in place, such as affordable or free childcare facilities. Additionally, employers must offer more flexible work arrangements to allow women to balance both their professional and caregiving responsibilities. By implementing these changes, we can provide women with the same opportunities as men, enabling them to thrive in both their careers and as mothers without facing unnecessary sacrifices. Additionally, employers should support women with further training and resources to help them catch up when returning from maternity leave. This would not only help women re-enter the workforce with confidence but also ensure they remain competitive and continue to advance in their careers, creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.
…Women tend to be more loss-averse than men when it comes to business opportunities
In addition to the demands of motherhood, women are also often expected to take on the responsibility of caring for elderly relatives. In the UK, women contribute 23.2 billion hours to unpaid care, compared to 9.7 billion hours by men.⁴ A study of 16 countries by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) found that over two-thirds of carers are women.⁵ This caregiving responsibility often forces women to reduce their working hours or even give up their jobs entirely.
In the UK, women contribute 23.2 billion hours to unpaid care, compared to 9.7 billion hours by men.⁴
With the current global climate, governments are not dedicating enough funding to the care system, leaving families to bear the burden. As a result, women are shouldering the cost, both financially and in terms of career progression. This lack of support creates an additional layer of pressure on women, limiting their professional opportunities and contributing to ongoing gender inequalities.
I too have struggled with many of these challenges as a mother of 3 children born over a 10,5 year period. The one thing that has never gone away for me is the drive to do more—to have purpose, to make a difference, and to make a business succeed. That inner voice can’t be stifled, no matter how hard I try. I know that I am destined for more, I need to be challenged. Two years ago I met Jennie, who has since become my business partner. We did not have a deep friendship before starting the business venture and this no doubt has many advantages. With Jennie at my side, I have been able to find the courage to take risks and put myself out there. We can bounce ideas off each other, improve each other's work, divide tasks based on our strengths, and most importantly, support each other emotionally. Sharing the workload gives me strength—it’s definitely safety in numbers! Jennie’s optimism is contagious. She never doubts herself and encourages me to brush off any negative feedback, reminding me that if we believe in our work, that’s all that matters. Whether or not we get likes on social media, or if we’re the only ones showing up at an event, we push forward because we’re both passionate about what we do and believe in our mission. But further and beyond this, we are making connections with other people who collaborate or contribute to our endeavours. We are constantly learning from other people and this is the strength of connections. Every person we meet can potentially open another door for you, teach you something you didn't know or share a perspective that might broaden your own.
…We are constantly learning from other people and this is the strength of connections.
At The Informed Perspective, we’ve recently introduced Connect Coffee meet-ups, with the intention of creating a space for people to connect on a deeper level. These gatherings go beyond the typical small talk of a casual social event. The idea is to create an environment where we can share our passions, explore new business ideas, and talk about the things we’re already doing in our lives and careers. It’s a chance to talk openly about both our successes and failures, and, perhaps most importantly, to find ways to collaborate and support each other in our journeys. This was what so many of us could benefit from.
The first meet-up was a reminder of how many incredible people we encounter, each with their own talents and experiences, eager to share them with others. What struck me most, though, was the shared fear of stepping out on our own—of being vulnerable in a world that often demands perfection. This is where community comes in. With a collective group of people, the daunting task of putting ourselves out there becomes more manageable. We are here to provide that space, to help one another find the courage to turn ideas into action. In the end, what we hope to cultivate is a sense of shared purpose: by coming together, we believe we can raise each other up and create a network of support that helps us all thrive—not just individually, but as a community.
The work I am currently doing has shown me the power of connection. It’s made hard work enjoyable and fueled my determination to keep going. I am truly humbled by the people who we have reached out to, who in spite of their busy and successful careers are happy to offer their time and energy to contribute to The Informed Perspective.
…It’s important to network and reach out—whether that’s through professional groups, support networks, or even casual meetups.
I truly believe there are many women (and men) out there who struggle the same way I did, and I encourage you to seek out connections. We can really benefit from investing in a community that supports one another and helps to lighten the load. It’s important to network and reach out—whether that’s through professional groups, support networks, or even casual meetups. Yes, it may feel uncomfortable at first, but the rewards are absolutely worth it. Building connections not only offers emotional support but can also open up new opportunities, help reduce feelings of isolation, and share the burden. We’re all in this together, and creating a strong support system can make a world of difference.
…Building connections not only offers emotional support but can also open up new opportunities,
Summary of the Hurdles Getting in the Way of Female Entrepreneurship
Financial Barriers
A study from the UK in 2021 revealed that 35% of women did not pursue a business idea due to insufficient funds.⁶ Furthermore, only 18% of women said they were likely to set up their own business, compared to 29% of men. There is also a significant gender gap in self-employment, with men outnumbering women in this regard. Women tend to be more loss-averse than men when it comes to business opportunities, and this trend is even more pronounced among women with children.⁷ ,⁸
Venture Capital Disparity
In 2023, less than 3% of venture capital in the US and only 1.8% in Europe was directed towards women business owners. ⁹ A contributing factor could be the male-dominated investor landscape. Some male investors may be reluctant to invest in women, fearing that family commitments, particularly the birth of children, could affect the business’s success.
Impact of Motherhood on Career Trajectory
Women represent only a third of entrepreneurs globally, despite the presence of women with the potential to succeed in business.¹⁰ The experience of childbirth often requires women to take breaks from their professional lives, which can be particularly challenging for those attempting to balance both family and work. Many women leave their jobs or reduce their working hours during the early years of motherhood, which can extend further with additional children. As a result, the longer the career break, the harder it becomes to reenter the workforce.
The Challenge of Career Gaps
Female entrepreneurs are more likely to abandon their businesses after childbirth. In the UK, for example, 17% of women leave their employment after giving birth.¹¹ Moreover, mothers are three times more likely than fathers to take on lower-paid jobs with reduced responsibilities after childbirth. Three years after a child is born, 90% of fathers remain employed, compared to just 27.8% of mothers. According to a Canadian study, women with children are 20% less likely to start a business during pregnancy, a figure that rises to 40% a year after childbirth and never fully recovers to the levels of women without children.¹²
Cultural and Social Expectations
Women often feel pressured by gender and cultural norms, especially in certain regions where the role of a mother has traditionally been associated with self-sacrifice and homemaking. Even though societal expectations are evolving, the subconscious stigma surrounding mothers who focus on their careers persists, making it harder for women to prioritise their professional futures. Many women put off pursuing their dreams, telling themselves that their time will come when their children are older. Balancing family love and personal ambition can be incredibly difficult, and it takes resilience to make the tough decision to pursue professional goals.
Childcare and Domestic Responsibilities
In Europe, women are twice as likely as men to spend over five hours a day on childcare.¹³ In families with young children, 56% of women take on most of their children's care responsibilities, compared to just 26% of men. This imbalance is reflected in housework as well, with 91% of women with children spending at least an hour per day on household tasks, compared to only 30% of men. The employment gender gap is still apparent, despite progress in recent years.¹⁴ In Greece, for instance, 85% of women take care of their children daily, while only 16% of men do.¹⁵
Energy and Time Constraints
Entrepreneurship demands not only guts but also significant energy, which can be compromised by the demands of family life. The unpredictability of sick children, frequent illnesses from daycare, and daily life admin can drain the energy needed to start and maintain a business. Many women fear that they won't have enough time to balance both their business and family responsibilities. The truth is, starting a business often demands even more time and effort than being an employee, including handling additional administrative tasks like health insurance and taxes.
Support Systems and Childcare Accessibility
Studies have shown that having nearby family or grandparents to help with childcare significantly increases the likelihood of women starting or maintaining a business. This support is even more critical in regions where childcare is expensive or less accessible.¹⁷ In families where such support is lacking, particularly in countries with geographical separation, the challenge of balancing business and family life becomes even greater.
This figure shows the % number of days spent on housework for men and women. The turquoise circles denote men and the yellow circles women.¹⁶
There are certainly many hurdles for women starting businesses, but many successful female entrepreneurs have built their ventures around their passions.¹⁸ This intrinsic drive often becomes the key motivator, pushing them to make a meaningful impact and overcome the challenges they face.
…personal drive and a desire to make a difference are key motivators for female entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, while the hurdles facing women entrepreneurs can feel overwhelming, the power of community and support cannot be underestimated. The journey to entrepreneurship is not meant to be navigated alone. Whether through a business partner, mentorship, or networking, having a reliable support system makes all the difference in building confidence, overcoming doubts, and pushing through challenges. By connecting with others and sharing the journey, women cannot only succeed but thrive in their entrepreneurial endeavours.
The strength found in community might just be the key to success.
Images courtesy of Freepix.
References
¹ Kleven, Henrik, Landais, Camille and Søgaard, Jakob Egholt (2019) Children and gender inequality: evidence from Denmark.American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, 11 (4). pp. 182. ISSN 1945-7782² https://www.progressive-policy.net/publications/press-release-cpps-latest-report-finds-caring-responsibilities-are-disproportionately-impacting-women-in-the-uk³ John Bonney & Luigi Pistaferri & Alessandra Voena, 2025. "Childbirth and Firm Performance: Evidence from Norwegian Entrepreneurs," NBER Working Papers 33448, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.⁴ https://www.progressive-policy.net/publications/press-release-cpps-latest-report-finds-caring-responsibilities-are-disproportionately-impacting-women-in-the-uk⁵ Colombo, F. et al. (2011), Help Wanted?: Providing and Paying for Long-Term Care, OECD Health Policy Studies, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264097759-en⁶ https://startups.co.uk/news/more-than-one-third-of-women-say-lack-of-funding-is-the-biggest-barrier-to-setting-up-a-business/⁷ Dawson C. Gender differences in optimism, loss aversion and attitudes towards risk. Br J Psychol. 2023 Nov;114(4):928-944. doi: 10.1111/bjop.12668. Epub 2023 Jun 9. PMID: 37293710.⁸ https://www.city.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/2019/10/women-dislike-financial-risk-taking-research-finds ⁹ https://pitchbook.com/blog/female-founders-and-investors-to-know¹⁰ Rutigliano, Valentina, Minding Your Business or Minding Your Child? Motherhood and the Entrepreneurship Gap (March 15, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4761096¹¹ Rutigliano, Valentina, Minding Your Business or Minding Your Child? Motherhood and the Entrepreneurship Gap (March 15, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4761096¹² Rutigliano, Valentina, Minding Your Business or Minding Your Child? Motherhood and the Entrepreneurship Gap (March 15, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4761096¹³ https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/publications/better-work-life-balance-bridging-gender-care-gap?language_content_entity=en¹⁴ https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/publications/gender-equality-index-2024-sustaining-momentum-fragile-path¹⁵ https://www.euronews.com/2023/09/23/gender-equality-in-european-homes-survey-shows-its-a-long-way-off¹⁶ https://eige.europa.eu/gender-statistics/dgs/indicator/eige_gap_hw__ggs_hw_days_age¹⁷ KANJI S. Grandparent Care: A Key Factor in Mothers’ Labour Force Participation in the UK. Journal of Social Policy. 2018;47(3):523-542. doi:10.1017/S004727941700071X ¹⁸ https://fitsmallbusiness.com/women-in-business-statistics/