Updates
For decades, women have fought to claim their space in business—navigating biases, breaking glass ceilings, and redefining success on their own terms. Yet, despite making up over 50% of the global workforce, women still face systemic barriers that slow their progress. The numbers tell a clear story: only 29% of senior management roles worldwide are held by women, and in Africa, just 1 in 4 startups are female-led (World Bank, 2023).
But here’s the shift—women are not waiting for permission anymore. They are leading, innovating, and driving economic growth across industries, from tech and finance to retail and manufacturing.
This International Women’s Day, we are taking a deep dive in celebrating the female entrepreneurs and professionals who are reshaping business landscapes.
Challenges Women Face in Business
Despite their remarkable contributions, women in business continue to encounter roadblocks that hinder their growth. From financial disparities to persistent biases, these challenges create an uneven playing field that demands urgent change.
1. Access to Funding: Women-led businesses receive less than 3% of global venture capital funding (PitchBook, 2023). Yet, studies show that female-founded startups generate higher revenue per dollar invested.
2. Gender Bias & Stereotypes: Many women face outdated perceptions that question their leadership abilities, making it harder to gain credibility, negotiate fair deals, or climb the corporate ladder.
3. Work-Life Balance Expectations: Societal norms still place the bulk of caregiving responsibilities on women, making entrepreneurship and career advancement an even bigger challenge.
4. Limited Mentorship & Networks: Many leadership circles remain male-dominated, making it harder for women to find mentors and sponsors who can open doors to opportunities.
While these barriers persist, they are not insurmountable. Women around the world are pushing back, rewriting the rules, and proving that success is not limited by gender.
How Women Are Overcoming These Barriers
Women are not just breaking through obstacles—they’re dismantling them entirely. And there’s how they are getting this done:
1. Building Their Own Tables: Instead of waiting for a seat, women are creating their own opportunities, launching businesses, and building networks that uplift others. Our female clients at Studio 14 are perfect examples—visionary women disrupting industries with tech-driven solutions, innovative products, and bold leadership.
2. Leveraging Digital & E-commerce: The digital economy has opened doors for women entrepreneurs, providing platforms to scale businesses without traditional gatekeepers. Today, women own 58% of e-commerce businesses in Africa (IFC, 2023), proving that online markets are leveling the playing field.
3. Creating Support Systems: Women-focused communities, funding programs, and mentorship networks are growing stronger. Initiatives like She Leads Africa, Women in Tech Africa, and peer-led business incubators are helping female entrepreneurs thrive.
4. Changing the Narrative: More women in leadership means more role models breaking stereotypes and inspiring the next generation. The rise of female CEOs, startup founders, and investors is proving that leadership is about skill, not gender.
Through bold action and collective support, women are shaping industries, challenging norms, and ensuring that future generations inherit a more inclusive business world.