Summary
- The issue of empowerment of women in the workplace has increasingly gained visibility.
- It is important to support female entrepreneurship initiatives to achieve gender equality, including in the fashion and textile industry.
- To empower your business to soar, equip yourself with the best technology has to offer. Try Audaces360 multisolution for free!
In theory, entrepreneurship is open to everyone, regardless of gender. However, historical, political, and social reasons have created barriers for women in leadership roles, whether in their own companies or not.
Thankfully, with a growing focus on gender equality, this issue has been addressed recently, and the doors are opening to female participation and protagonism.
Therefore, understanding the current scenario of women in charge, the challenges they face, and how their leadership impacts businesses is extremely important.
Follow the content below to explore these topics in detail!
Sumário
Why is female entrepreneurship important to the fashion industry?
Today, there are numerous successful examples of women leading industries in the fashion sector.
Although women’s fashion holds a substantial share of the market, men still occupy most of the decision-making positions.
While traditionally occupying roles such as designers and pattern makers, women are increasingly taking on positions in production stages, which is crucial.
As more women ascend to leadership roles across various areas, the business becomes more balanced.
Diverse perspectives enrich the work environment, resulting in better and more innovative products.
Learn more: Discover a step-by-step guide on how to start an online fashion store
What is female entrepreneurship?
Female entrepreneurship involves women initiating ventures and taking leadership roles in companies, in management, coordination, and presidency, for example.
In practice, it is a form of traditional entrepreneurship, which can be very much summarized as identifying problems and creating solutions, but with a focus on women’s perspectives and roles.
But make no mistake. Despite the recent surge in attention, especially during the pandemic, statistics show a long history of female entrepreneurship.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, nearly one in every three entrepreneurs running established businesses is a woman. For start-up activity, there are 80 women for every 1 man.
These numbers reveal the immense potential for growth and generation of new solutions by women entrepreneurs, creating a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Learn more: Learn how to set up your online clothing business from scratch
What are the challenges of female entrepreneurship?
Although the number of women entrepreneurs has increased in recent years, there is still much to be done to achieve equity between ventures conceived by men and those idealized by women.
Still according to GEM, two types of factors directly influence female entrepreneurship: structural factors and cultural factors.
Structural factors involve how the market operates. Globally, women are more likely to lead smaller businesses compared to men. They are also 24.6% more likely to start a business alone, which increases the challenges for the company to thrive.
Additionally, gender segmentation across companies and industries influences the perception of who should occupy leadership positions. As a result, globally, women are 50% less likely to hold senior management roles.
Cultural factors, on the other hand, involve how society perceives and interprets gender roles — that is, how men and women should pursue their professional paths and the positions they should hold in society.
Learn more: Explore challenges and opportunities to excel in fashion retail
How important is it to encourage women to undertake entrepreneurial activities?
In addressing gender inequality and promoting equal opportunities between men and women, it’s essential to recognize that leadership skills and competencies are not determined by gender.
Furthermore, fostering female protagonism in enterprises holds significant importance for several reasons:
- Diversification of the entrepreneurial environment by introducing new leaders, niches, and areas of activity.
- Oxygenation of the market through the emergence of innovative ventures and ideas that contribute to the economy as a whole.
- Recognition and appreciation of female talents and soft skills.
- Expansion of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating new job opportunities and stimulating consumption.
- Promotion of female financial independence, as women entrepreneurs naturally tend to hire other women.
The development of female entrepreneurship is not only crucial for society and the market but also highly beneficial. By reducing gender gaps, it fosters a more egalitarian and diverse society in terms of ideas, businesses, and opportunities.
Learn more: What is a private label, and what are the advantages of this type of business?
When is Women’s Entrepreneurship Day celebrated?
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is celebrated on November 19th. The date was chosen in 2014 by the UN (United Nations) in an initiative led by UN Women.
The purpose of this day is to bring together countries, companies, and institutions in search of support to end the wage gap between men and women and encourage female leadership in business leadership.
Examples of women who made it to the top
Despite the great effort and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, we must highlight some examples of female protagonism that reached the top – whether due to recognition, exceptional work, or several other reasons. Check out:
Coco Chanel
Considered one of the most important people of the 20th century by Time magazine, Coco Chanel is the creator of what can be considered one of the greatest luxury brands in the world – Chanel.
As an influencer, she shaped the entire fashion market of her time, launched timeless trends, and left behind a legacy of one of the most desired and highly valued brands on the planet.
Donatella Versace
Donatella Versace is recognized for her role as the chief creative officer of the Versace fashion house, as well as her significant contributions to the fashion industry.
She is known for her bold and innovative designs, her ability to push boundaries in fashion, and her influential presence in popular culture.
Additionally, Donatella Versace is celebrated for continuing the legacy of her brother, Gianni Versace, and for her leadership in expanding the Versace brand globally.
Elsa Schiaparelli
Elsa Schiaparelli became particularly renowned for her collaboration with artists such as Salvador Dalí during the 20th century, resulting in surreal designs that challenged traditional fashion norms.
Her legacy and impact on the world of fashion continue to endure today through the famous and groundbreaking fashion house Schiaparelli.
Vivienne Westwood
The British fashion designer is known for her outstanding contributions to the fashion industry, particularly during the punk movement in the 1970s.
Westwood’s designs are characterized by their unconventional aesthetics, incorporating elements of historical costume and cultural references, continually pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to fashion and culture.
Yiqing Yin
Yiqing Yin is a Chinese-French fashion designer known for her innovative and poetic approach to fashion design. She was born in Beijing, China, and later moved to France to pursue her education and career in fashion.
Yiqing Yin gained recognition in the fashion industry for her unique aesthetic, which combines elements of art, architecture, and craftsmanship. Her designs often feature intricate draping, sculptural silhouettes, and experimental materials, reflecting her avant-garde sensibility.
Zuzu Angel
Considered the mother of Brazilian fashion, Zuzu Angel was one of the most important designers in the country, known for her originality and active social participation – directly opposing the oppressive regime of the Military Dictatorship.
In the 1940s, she moved to Rio de Janeiro in pursuit of financial independence. It was there that her ventures in the sewing studio began, which by the 1970s, had gained national and international recognition.
Tips to seek your spotlight in the business world
Entering the world of entrepreneurship is not necessarily an easy task, for all the reasons we saw earlier.
However, through practical strategies and actions, it is possible to take the first steps towards a successful business.
Ready to explore further?
Discover your area of expertise
The beginning of an entrepreneurial career involves a crucial assessment, as it sets the foundation for subsequent steps towards success. This assessment primarily revolves around defining the area of activity.
In this regard, seeking out areas that are underexplored or offer significant growth opportunities can be a strategic solution for overcoming the challenges of launching a new venture.
Similarly, providing innovative solutions within well-established sectors, such as the Fashion Industry, where women’s participation is prominent, can also pave the way for the success of the enterprise.
Learn more: Uncover the opportunities for your fashion business in the textile market
Get organized
The organization is an indispensable attribute for both entrepreneurs and their ventures. Having an initial plan that is periodically renewed is a key step in establishing yourself in the market.
Constantly improve
The growing demand for professionalization adds to the requirements of a business seeking growth and financial stability within a reasonable timeframe.
Therefore, continuously enhancing skills in the market, finance, management, and entrepreneurial spirit is one of the ways to ensure that your business stays ahead of the competition.
Learn more: 5 tips to enhance your women’s fashion online store
Don’t expect everyone’s approval
Not everyone will understand or support your entrepreneurial vision. If you rely too heavily on approval from others, you may become discouraged or hesitant to pursue your goals in the face of criticism or skepticism.
Instead of trying to please everyone, it is more important to focus on understanding and serving the needs of your target audience or customer base. Their approval and support are crucial for the success of your business.
Look for investors
Investments in entrepreneurship have grown in general. The search for credit and public and private investors is a solution to overcome financial adversities, especially at the beginning of the enterprise.
Bet on networking
The entrepreneurial ecosystem is full of networking opportunities – where you can find and partner with suppliers, service providers, qualified employees, partner companies, and much more.
Use technology as a boosting factor
Enterprises connected to the digital world are more likely to be successful than those that do not invest in technology. Digital transformation is a reality and, through it, it is possible to enhance the results of any enterprise.
Learn more: 5 benefits of using 3D modeling software in your apparel company
Count on Audaces solutions to undertake the fashion world
If your business operates in the fashion or textile sector, you can rely on technology to take your brand to the next level and ensure the quality of your processes.
Audaces is a world reference in fashion technology, with a deep understanding of the apparel sector.
We leverage this expertise to develop innovative solutions that empower business owners and leaders to overcome the most common challenges of the industry.
Audaces360
Audaces360 tools can help you boost your business results. Through cutting-edge technologies, we facilitate the creative, technical, and operational stages of clothing, leaving them fully digital and integrated.
Download our free content for free and keep learning about fashion entrepreneurship!
FAQ
As more women ascend to leadership roles across various areas, the business becomes more balanced. Diverse perspectives enrich the work environment, resulting in better and more innovative products.
Female entrepreneurship involves women initiating ventures and taking leadership roles in companies, in management, coordination, and presidency, for example.
Two types of factors directly influence female entrepreneurship: structural factors and cultural factors. As a result, globally, women are 50% less likely to hold senior management roles.
