The Challenges and Triumphs of Women in Business
Women have come a long way in the business world. We're leading companies, driving innovation, building supportive networks, and contributing trillions to the global economy. Empowered women are changing the way industries, economies, and communities function.
But despite these incredible strides, we still face significant challenges. Issues like pay equity, leadership representation, access to capital, and support systems—like affordable childcare and education—are holding us back from reaching our full potential in the workforce and as entrepreneurs.
Now, it’s time for us to not only talk about these challenges but actively work together to break them down.
Challenges Women Face in Business
Childcare and Caregiving Responsibilities
Childcare is one of the biggest hurdles women face in the workforce. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over half of working parents say that the lack of affordable childcare has hurt their career choices. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of this struggle.
This challenge impacts everything from our ability to participate in the workforce to our chances of advancing into leadership roles. It also contributes to the “motherhood penalty,” where women’s wages take a hit once they become mothers.
Education and Opportunity Gaps
Although women now earn more college degrees than men, we're still underrepresented in high-growth fields like STEM, which often offer more lucrative opportunities. Even in business, systemic barriers still limit our access to mentorship and leadership development, both essential for career and entrepreneurial growth.
Organizations like the National Women’s Business Council are working hard to create more inclusive ecosystems, but these gaps remain—especially for women of color and those from underserved communities.
Access to Capital: The Elephant in the Room
When it comes to funding, women-founded startups are too often overlooked—not because we aren't trying or aren’t qualified, but because of systemic biases.
In 2022, only 2.1% of all U.S. VC funding went to companies founded by women. In contrast, companies with all-male founding teams received a whopping 81.6% of venture capital funding.
This disparity isn't because we lack ambition or capability. In fact, women are starting businesses at a faster rate than men, with a 16.7% increase in women-owned businesses from 2012–2019, compared to just 5.2% for men.
The issue isn’t the pipeline—it’s the purse strings. Venture capitalists often invest based on potential, but their biases lean toward the stereotypical “ideal” founder—a young, white male from an Ivy League school. As a result, women are often seen as riskier investments, despite our proven track record of success.
Here’s the good news: Studies show that:
Women-led tech companies deliver 35% higher ROI.
Female-founded startups generate 78 cents for every dollar of funding, compared to just 31 cents for male-founded startups.
Startups with at least one female founder generate 10% more revenue over five years.
Women-led businesses aren't underperforming—they're simply underfunded. It’s time for the gatekeepers of capital to challenge outdated models and invest in a more equitable future.
Women’s Contribution to the Economy
The case for investing in women is clear. A 2023 McKinsey Global Institute report showed that closing gender gaps in labor force participation and leadership could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
Here in the U.S.:
Women own over 13 million businesses, making up 42% of all U.S. businesses (American Express, 2023).
These businesses generate $2.1 trillion in revenue and employ more than 9.4 million people.
Women also make most of the consumer decisions, influencing over 85% of all purchasing choices (Forbes).
Women-owned businesses are driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing billions to the economy.
Empowered Women Empower Others
Women in business aren't just leading companies—they're mentoring others, building inclusive cultures, and rewriting the narrative. As the Empowered Women’s Network says: "We believe in the power of women to create a better world, one step at a time."
Achieving true equality in business means equal pay, equal leadership opportunities, and equal access to funding and resources. Companies must go beyond symbolic gestures and commit to real, systemic change. When equity thrives, so do entire organizations and economies.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women Leaders
The future of women in business is bold, ambitious, and unstoppable. But it needs intentional support. If we want to build a world where women can thrive, we must focus on structural change, not just performative progress.
How Balanced Diversity is Leading the Change
At Balanced Diversity, we’re passionate about building equity. We support women-owned businesses by advocating for better access to funding, creating inclusive hiring pipelines, and offering the tools and partnerships women need to succeed. Let’s redefine what business as usual means. Let’s make equity the standard, not the exception. Balanced Diversity is committed to creating a workforce where women—and all underrepresented groups—can thrive, lead, and succeed.
