Gender Equality in Entrepreneurship: Current Challenges and Strategies for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Gender equality is a substantial concern in entrepreneurship since women are highly underrepresented and face various disparities. This article investigates the current situation of gender equality in entrepreneurship by using contemporary data and analysis, especially in the tech industry. It focuses on women's challenges in entrepreneurship and tech regarding stereotyping, bias, access to finance, lack of networks and mentorship, and work-life balance. Building on research from a UCL (University College London) dissertation* that analyzed the opportunities available to men and women entrepreneurs in the UK and Turkey, this piece assesses the effectiveness of gender-specific acceleration programs and the underrepresentation of women among investors. With a deep focus on these gender-specific programs, this article discusses their impact on increasing the number of women entrepreneurs from an innovative and unique perspective, compared to standard approaches exemplifying gender-specific actions as best practices and the opportunities provided to women to support an equal entrepreneurship ecosystem. Furthermore, it benefits from the practical information of several podcast series that aim to create awareness of gender equality and inclusion. The article further offers strategies to inspire and empower more women to increase their courage to become the next entrepreneurs in tech, contributing to the ongoing discourse on fostering a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial environment by exemplifying best practices, inclusive policies, practices, or training programs.