Report by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2024
The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) celebrates 25 years of tracking the progress of women’s entrepreneurship. The 12th edition of the GEM Women’s Entrepreneurship Report provides a compelling look at how women entrepreneurs are shaping global economies and communities. Key findings include:
Rising Entrepreneurship Rates
- Women’s startup activity has nearly doubled over the past two decades, with one in ten women starting businesses in 2023 across 30 GEM-participating countries.
- Established business ownership among women also increased, particularly in countries like South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.
Changing Perceptions and Challenges
- Women’s perception of business opportunities rose by 79% over two decades, and startup skill confidence increased by 27%.
- Despite this progress, fear of failure rates have climbed, highlighting new challenges for women entrepreneurs.
High-Potential Ventures
- Women lead one-third of high-growth businesses and nearly two-fifths of export-focused startups, with notable contributions in innovation from countries such as China, Colombia, and the Netherlands.
Education and Demographics
- Women entrepreneurs are generally younger than men and more likely to come from low-income households, with education levels often surpassing those of male entrepreneurs.
Key Recommendations for Policymakers
- Celebrate Women Leaders: Showcasing successful women entrepreneurs to inspire others.
- Expand Research: Building data-driven insights to address structural barriers.
- Inclusive Education: Targeted training and mentorship in STEM and ICT.
- Access to Capital: Anti-discrimination laws and financial initiatives to close funding gaps.
The report, authored by global experts, is sponsored by the Cartier Women’s Initiative and other prominent organizations. As GEM Executive Director Aileen Ionescu-Somers emphasizes, while women’s contributions are growing, significant barriers remain. The findings aim to guide actionable policies for a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.
Explore the full report to uncover insights, trends, and strategies to support women entrepreneurs worldwide.