Have you ever stopped to think that women’s entrepreneurship brings positive impact to society, besides being essential to drive the country’s economy and generate jobs?
November 19th is the World Day of Women’s Entrepreneurship, a commemorative date aimed at promoting female leadership and the visibility of women who manage a business. Nevertheless, women still face less supportive environments.
Fear of Entrepreneurship?
Many women are afraid to put their plans into action. Often, prejudice becomes one of the factors that lead to giving up. Nowadays, women are increasingly specializing themselves. Many women work hard and manage to become successful entrepreneurs.
Here is a list of 7 successful women entrepreneurs:
- Luiza Helena Trajano from Magazine Luiza
- Leila Velez and Zica Assis from Beleza Natural
- Sônia Hess from Dudalina
- Alcione Albanesi from FLC
- Janete Vaz and Sandra Costa from Laboratório Sabin
7 women entrepreneurs, 7 stories of overcoming obstacles, resilience, and success. They are certainly examples to be followed, as they persisted despite the challenges and now inspire others.
“For me, entrepreneurship is about making things happen, regardless of the circumstances, opinions, or statistics. It’s about daring to be different, taking risks, believing in your ideals and mission.” – Luiza Helena Trajano
Women’s Entrepreneurship
Due to the pandemic, many things have changed. In fact, many women had to give up their careers because companies closed down or simply to comply with the required social distancing measures at that time.
However, their dedication is always divided between home, work, and children. For many, it was not easy to manage all of this, especially having to give up on their own dreams.
According to UOL Economy, nearly 10 million entrepreneurs had to close their businesses in Brazil in 2020, mainly due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Women were the most affected by the crisis: the number of established women entrepreneurs alone decreased by 62% from 2019 to 2020—a much larger decline than that experienced by men (35%).
Women’s Entrepreneurship and the Challenges
In an interview with G1, Sandra Nalli, founder of Escola do Mecânico (Mechanic School) established in 2011, managed to double its size with its own network as well as franchises, offering mechanic and workshop management courses. She states:
“The company exists to democratize access to technical and vocational education in the field of mechanics and thus generate more employment and income,” explains Sandra.
Nevertheless, prejudice has been present throughout Sandra’s career, both as an employee and later as the owner of the company.
“Many students would arrive and, when I went to assist them, they would ask to speak to a man. I always tried to explain that I had practical knowledge in mechanics to clarify all their doubts,” she shares.
She explains that to have a good business plan, it is necessary to overcome fear.
Thus, even in the face of difficulties, women have shown resilience and the ability to achieve their goals.
And women don’t stop there. In search of empowerment and connection, the Christmas Celebration of AME featured a Business Matchmaking session and the Bolsa Mulher Project. It took place in December with the grand Christmas celebration organized by the Association of Women Entrepreneurs (AME). The event was held in Framingham, Massachusetts, and welcomed women entrepreneurs for a Business Matchmaking session. It is a special gathering for women entrepreneurs (who already have their own businesses) and those who aspire to become entrepreneurs.
To achieve success, it is necessary to truly love what you do. Otherwise, considering only the rational side, you simply give up. That’s what happens with most people.
Steve Jobs
Conclusion
Certainly, women’s entrepreneurship is gaining more strength. Facing daily obstacles, but expanding their networks, women entrepreneurs are carving out their space and, with the support of other entrepreneurs, overcoming challenges and becoming winners, right?
So, have you ever thought about organizing your own business matchmaking event for women entrepreneurs in your area? It will surely be a great success and strengthen Women’s Entrepreneurship.
Therefore, share this with the women entrepreneurs you know!
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