Overcoming Gender Stereotypes as a Female Founder
In the field of entrepreneurship, gender stereotype is associated to women. Men, as the symbol of masculinity along with certain male-specific attributes such as confidence, risk-taking and confidence, are assumed to be representative of the ideal entrepreneur. As such, the idea of a female founder creates a metonymy. That is a special category which homogenizes this category of entrepreneurs to a single aspect of their identity – that of their gender.
However, to assume that gender only applies to women in entrepreneurship, who already experience and reproduce gendered ascriptions as a universal group, has two main issues. First of all, it reinforces the subordination of women within the gender construct. And second, it homogenizes them on the basis of an assumed shared biological identity, contributing to the overall gender stereotype that women in entrepreneurship face.
Hence, women who start businesses are at disadvantage and remain underrepresented. There are only about 10 to 15 percent of women start-ups worldwide. They are seen as unable to take risk, not adapt to make good decisions or financially unable. But this kind of gender stereotyping on women does not reflect the reality of their capabilities. It reinforces false views on what it takes to succeed in business. In this article, we look at some of the gender stereotypes female founders face and how to overcome them.
Overcoming Gender Stereotypes
Gender Stereotypes on Female Founders do not reflect the reality of their capabilities. It reinforces false views on what it takes to succeed in business.
Cultivate a family environment prioritizing your work-life balance.
Studies by the OECD have shown that due to the multiple roles of a woman in a familial perspective, they are hindered from developing their entrepreneurial activities. It’s time to break those socio-cultural barriers that dictate that women should only be the homemakers of the family and can’t cultivate their own businesses. Make your priorities known to your significant other. Find a balance within your family where both the man and woman take a role in taking care of home matters.
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