When you type the words “Why are women _____” on Google, the first suggestion that pops-up is “Why are women so emotional”. The second is “Why are women so shallow” and the third one is “Why are women so mean.”
What? Clearly the world has issues with women. Yet whenever a woman decides to go against the tide and build something of her own she is automatically perceived as being disrespectful, overambitious or worst of all a desperate attention seeker.
In a world that views women like weaker beings, a hopeful woman entrepreneur has to work twice as hard as the male counterparts. Yet research shows that overall women make better entrepreneurs and better leaders than men.
Before you hate, think about Jamila Abbass; she and her two friends founded mFarm which was lauded by President Obama during his recent tour to Kenya for being a trendsetter in the innovation space.
Think about Judith Owigar; the founder of Kenya’s premier platform for training and mentoring women; AkiraChix. Think about Tabitha Karanja of Keroche Breweries. Suzie Wokabi of Suzie Beauty. The list of women who are doing exceptional things nowadays is virtually endless.
So are women better entrepreneurs than men? Here are 5 research-proven facts on how the fairer sex fares in business.
1)Women are powerhouse entrepreneurs
Research shows that when women succeed, they drive economic growth and invest back into their families. Women in leadership positions are also more likely to contribute towards activities that have societal impact than men. (Source)
2)Women are better at multitasking
Women are naturally equipped to handle multiple priorities (raising the kids, taking care of the home, taking care of the husbands etc.) and thus better placed to excel in the multifaceted industry of entrepreneurship. (Source)
3)Women value their life outside of work
Generally women put the health and well-being of their family and spouse as their main priority. If they have to choose between the business and the family, the family will always win. A stable family is the cornerstone of a successful business. If you doubt this, ask any divorcee who’s in business. (Source)
4)Women are better decision makers
When it comes to decision-making, the fairer sex lives up to their name. Research by the IJBGE found that women leaders are not only good decision makers but they also involve others in the process. Companies that have female board members are more successful, reports The Daily Telegraph. (Source)
5)Women have better teamwork
Women understand the importance of empowering one another better than men. For instance in rural Kenya, a simple financial concept, table banking, is making a difference for thousands of entrepreneurial women. As such women are better able to access cheaper loans and cheaper capital to start and sustain successful businesses. (Source)
Quick Word;
The future of women-owned companies seems bright. And even as the world continuously looks down upon them, one thing is clear, women are no longer the weaker sex and there is scientific proof to that effect.
So are women better entrepreneurs than men? I guess you already know the answer!
