We live in a world where women are not represented as entrepreneurs. Only 3% of US startups have female founders, and 30% of VC-funded companies had at least one woman on the executive team. This is something that needs to change. Luckily there are many ways to encourage young girls and women to become future business owners and leaders.
1) Education
Encourage young women to strive for higher education and degrees relevant to their future career goals. They must be well versed in the fields they want to work in to excel quickly once working at a company or starting up on their own. Inform girls about opportunities available through existing organizations and Sponsor young girls with an entrepreneurial spirit by giving them financial support or even paying for business mentorship programs.
2) Networking
Encourage young women to get involved with organizations that help develop entrepreneurial skills and promote female leadership. Some great examples include Girls Who Code, The Women’s Startup Lab, TechWomen Mentoring Program, SheStarts and more. These are some of the best programs out there for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to kick-start their careers in a supportive and inspiring environment.
3) Mentorship
Most importantly, young women should be encouraged to engage with mentors – especially female mentors – who can help them maneuver the ins and outs of their chosen field. Mentors provide invaluable support throughout a career journey as they have been where you are before and know what it takes to succeed. Studies show that having a mentor has a direct impact on career success. Mentors provide advice, guidance, and support throughout the mentoring relationship, catalyzing entrepreneurial growth.
4) Confidence
Female entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to encourage other women, especially young girls, to look for role models. As more women become leaders in their fields, it will help shift the gender imbalance of entrepreneurship by inspiring future generations of female business owners. Encourage young women to take more tech classes as they may enjoy them. Teach girls that coding is a valuable skill for many different jobs.
5) Inspire
Finally, women should actively seek out opportunities to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. Sharing stories and lessons learned through failure or success will help influence the next generation of female business owners positively, which is precisely what we need right now.
Conclusion
The future of female entrepreneurs is in our hands. By encouraging young girls and women to become future business owners, we can balance the gender gap of entrepreneurship, allowing everyone a chance at success.
Doaa Dashoush is an experienced businesswoman in the fashion industry. She currently serves as the President and CEO of GFASHION, a global luxury brand currently based in New York City. GFASHION prides themselves on their unique approach to the industry. They don’t follow trends set by others. The Luxury brand focuses on innovative design through their work with the top designers on collections that reflect the company’s craftsmanship.