The evolution of women and their place in the public and private sectors of our lives is no news to anyone. Women have been battling unjust laws and have faced inequality since the turn of the 19th century. In the process, they have not only been making history but have also been advancing through society with enormous leaps and bounds. So what makes this centuries hurdle of the proverbial “glass ceiling” currently being battled any different- nothing. Women have not only entered the once male dominated workplace, but they are now taking the male oriented entrepreneurial sector by storm.

Entrepreneurship is at the forefront of today’s economy, providing large sums of economic growth and even larger feelings of success. But what is it about today’s economy that is driving both men and women into this sector? And more importantly, why are there so many more male entrepreneurs than female entrepreneurs? Does anyone have an answer as to why this gender difference still exists? The folks over at TechCrunch are currently wondering the same thing. From my research and experiences I have found a few interesting factors currently marginalizing women. Even though women’s presence in this entrepreneurial space has nearly tripled since 2004, with approximately 850,000 women now operating a business it still isn’t measuring up to our male counterparts. You may be wondering, why not? Female entrepreneurs have tripled since 2004 as compared to male entrepreneurs who have only doubled, so we should be at par! However, this is simply not the case. As TechCrunch duly notes, female entrepreneurs face a bit more of an uphill battle in this playing field. Amongst the hurdles- our very own wombs and ovaries, not to mention our hair length! The whole idea is hysterical to me; the fact that females have the power to bring new life and bring forth new generations is the major factor holding them back. Huh, you don’t say?

Although society has evolved greatly over time, with the onset of today’s “Mr.Mom’s”, women are still considered, by themselves and by society, to be the more nurturing of the sexes. We have the innate ability to think of our children and spouse before ourselves; have the kids been fed and arrived at school safely, did I iron my husbands shirt, feed the dog and put a load of laundry in? Although the psychological predispositions of women are not the focus of this blog, it has become apparent to me in both literature and in everyday life, that women enjoy multi-tasking. So, why not capitalize on our ability to be in a million different places at once instead of subjecting us to measly tasks and holding a brick wall, or more gently, a glass ceiling over our heads? Women are naturally change agents and leaders- haven’t you seen the baby ducks following the mother duck across the road? It’s always the mother who is in-front and the dad who watches from behind. This is just one example of the natural tendencies of both the male and female species. My opinion: open your eyes to the change that is currently taking place all around you and begin to capitalize on it. Female entrepreneurs are coming down the pipeline and we’re coming down very fast. Begin making changes today to prepare for the major shift the economy is going to soon make. Studies have shown that females make more than 80% of the purchases in the household. So, if women are the ones making these purchases who better to understand your “target market” than women? Realize the potential of a truly diverse economy and help open the doors for the next generation of female entrepreneurs who are going to make it no matter what hurdles exist or how long their hair is.
And as I always say: if you can’t beat them, join them!