Today, as we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, it’s impossible to ignore the heartbreaking statistics. In 2023 alone, a woman was intentionally killed by a partner or family member every 10 minutes.
Before we discuss entrepreneurship, it’s important to address the bigger picture. According to the Global Economic Forum, it will take 151 years to achieve gender equality globally—a setback from the progress predicted just three years ago. Persistent income gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and deep-seated cultural norms keep this horizon frustratingly distant. If nothing changes, equal opportunities might not be a reality until the year 2290—nearly 267 years from now.
In recent years, societal discourse surrounding violence against women has evolved, particularly following the #MeToo movement and high-profile allegations in various industries. Attention has shifted toward exploring how entrepreneurship might empower women to break free from cycles of violence and reintegrate into society. But does entrepreneurship offer a viable pathway to reducing violence against women, or does it introduce new challenges?
Entrepreneurship: Empowerment or Risk?
Entrepreneurship is often seen as a means of achieving financial independence and personal empowerment, key components of women’s liberation. Feminist thinkers, from Simone de Beauvoir to Titiou Lecoq, have emphasized the importance of financial autonomy in women's emancipation. However, entrepreneurship also reflects the structural challenges women face in their economic lives and, in some cases, exacerbates their exposure to violence.
There’s no denying the potential of entrepreneurship to uplift women. For many, the motivation to start a business stems from a desire for financial independence (53%), freedom to make their own decisions (35%), and a need to escape toxic work environments. Entrepreneurship offers an opportunity to break free from male-dominated workplaces, where harassment and discrimination are rampant.
Some of us women entrepreneurs also go a step further, using our ventures to support other women. We hire female employees, create safe and empowering workspaces, and work toward social change, such as promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability. In this way, entrepreneurship becomes not only a personal journey but a tool for broader societal impact.
Unfortunately, entrepreneurship isn’t always a safe haven. In fact, it can sometimes amplify the very challenges it seeks to overcome. A study by Empow’Her revealed that 79.5% of women entrepreneurs have experienced violence in our lifetime. This violence takes many forms—emotional, psychological, sexual, and even economic—and often emerges in the environments closest to us: our homes, communities, and workplaces.
Economic violence—defined by the United Nations as the control of financial resources and restrictions on access to education or employment—is a particularly insidious form of abuse. Alarmingly, as women entrepreneurs we face this more frequently in the context of our business ventures (13.9%) compared to our lifetime overall (8.3%).
For instance, women who rely on family loans to start their businesses often find themselves trapped in power dynamics that enable further abuse. Among women who borrowed money from family, 41.7% reported experiencing violence within their household.
In families that disapproved of their entrepreneurial endeavors, only 12.5% of women received financial support, and 21.9% experienced violence directly tied to their business.
Overall, the entrepreneurial journey, while empowering, is not without its risks. Women entrepreneurs report alarmingly high rates of violence linked to our business activities:
My experience with entrepreneurial violence
As a woman, I have personally experienced many forms of violence and discrimination since becoming self-employed. From project partners resorting to threats of violence to assert control, to enduring a lack of respect for my work, I’ve faced interruptions during meetings, had others condescendingly explain my own work to me, and been paid less than men for the same efforts. These repeated battles to protect myself and my business have left me on edge, defensive even in situations where no immediate danger exists.
Systemic obstacles need organized action
For many women, entrepreneurship represents hope—a way to escape environments rife with violence and reclaim autonomy. But as it stands, the entrepreneurial ecosystem reflects the same inequalities and power imbalances that exist in broader society.
Systemic barriers, such as limited access to resources, cultural norms, and societal expectations, compound the difficulties women face:
Women still face significant barriers to owning land or property. In Europe, women own just 28% of land; in Africa, the figure is 38%. Property ownership is similarly unequal, with only 31% of properties in Europe and 40% in Africa belonging to women. This lack of economic agency perpetuates dependence and vulnerability.
Entrepreneurship doesn’t free women from household responsibilities; in many cases, it adds to their workload. Married women and mothers often juggle professional and domestic tasks without adequate support. Only 11% of women entrepreneurs receive help with childcare or household chores. This constant "mental load" can jeopardize their businesses and lead to exhaustion.
In many regions, women entrepreneurs challenge deeply ingrained gender norms, especially in West and Central Africa. These women are often perceived as stepping outside their "traditional" roles, which can provoke hostility and violence from their communities.
Until we address these systemic issues, entrepreneurship will remain a double-edged sword: a path to freedom for some, but a risk-laden journey for many others.
On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, let’s come together to commit to building a safer, more equal future for everyone. At Huemaniser, we’re dedicated to supporting this mission and we offer 1:1 sessions to discuss challenges like these, provide guidance, and explore solutions. We also specialize in consulting on funding opportunities to help close the persistent funding gap that many women face.
If this resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you. And if you have personal experiences related to this topic, we would be honored if you shared them with us.
Let's fight for change together!
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