Women leading the way…
Women’s Day is an important celebration, recognising the achievements of women and their important leading role in all spheres of life, which is being more widely acknowledged than ever before. In fact, there is a growing high-level recognition that women leading the way may be our best bet for a meaningful recovery in the economic and business environment.
Many women already succeed in business despite socio-cultural challenges, because of their characteristic resiliency and adaptability. However, targeted support to women in business can unlock their true and full economic potential, which has been described as “a huge burst of entrepreneurial energy… primed to burst onto local, regional, national and international economic scenes”.
Supporting the entrepreneurial potential of women in business to achieve their full economic power is also a priority at PSTM. In celebration of Women’s Day this year, we share encouraging research findings about women in business; provide insight into the practical targeted support that enable women in business; and invite you to sign up for our insightful and complimentary Women Leadership series.
Women have led the way in shaping the future throughout history, despite the many gender inequality challenges they encounter.
While there is no lack of examples of women leading the way in every field throughout history, their leading role is now more widely recognised than ever as shown by the research findings below.
Women leading the way: it’s more evident than ever
- Peace agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years, if woman leaders are engaged in the creation and implementation.
- A greater proportion of woman decision makers in legislators are associated with lower levels of income inequality.
- Women entrepreneurs already account for 37% of global GDP, barely 100 years after gaining the vote in advanced countries and despite facing continued barriers to accessing opportunities.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is the only region where women make up the majority of those who are entrepreneurs.
- Companies with strong woman leaders boast a 35% higher annual return than companies without.
- Women-founded businesses have shown to deliver a higher return to investors – more than twice as much – per dollar invested.
Women in business are now also regarded as the key to unlocking a sustained and meaningful recovery for all.
Women leading the way to a sustained and meaningful recovery
- Women proved to be highly resilient entrepreneurs during the last two years, with 14 economies seeing an increase women’s entrepreneurial activity despite the business challenges brought by the pandemic.
- A route to fuelling a global economic recovery that is more equitable and sustainable for everyone is enabling women to take a full and equal part in the working world, and especially enabling women entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Enabling women’s role as economic contributors would increase global GDP by USD13 trillion in 2030, which means advancing gender equality is vital towards improving society and the global economy as a whole.
Doing so, however, will require more than simply relying on women’s characteristic resiliency and adaptability: it will require targeted support in managing their businesses for sustainable financial success.
