On April 19th, the Women Research Network hosted the 2nd edition of the Hand-in-Hand Webinar Series, a thought-provoking discussion on the fragility of women’s entrepreneurship and its implications for Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5): Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This event brought together an outstanding lineup of speakers who delved into the financial realities women face when transitioning from stable employment to entrepreneurship.
Key Themes Explored
The webinar tackled critical questions surrounding women’s entrepreneurship, shedding light on the systemic challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of gender equality. Central themes included:
- The Fragility of Women’s Entrepreneurship:
Speakers highlighted how socio-cultural, economic, and institutional factors create an uneven playing field for women entrepreneurs. Challenges such as limited access to finance, systemic biases, and insufficient support networks were discussed. - Implications for SDG5:
The discussion emphasized the connection between empowering women entrepreneurs and achieving SDG5, noting that addressing the fragility of women’s entrepreneurship is essential to ensuring equitable opportunities for women. - Financial Consequences of Transitioning to Entrepreneurship:
The speakers explored the financial risks women face when leaving stable employment to start their own businesses. The conversation ranged from the loss of steady income and social protections to the long-term implications for financial security and wealth accumulation.
Esteemed Speakers
We were privileged to hear from an inspiring panel of experts who brought unique perspectives to the discussion:
- Felicia Siergrist (Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative – We-Fi): Provided insights into the global financing landscape for women entrepreneurs, highlighting successful initiatives that address funding gaps.
- Dr. Kaddijatou Manneh: Discussed policy frameworks and their impact on reducing entrepreneurship fragility for women in developing economies.
- Elona Ndlovu (PhD Cand.): Shared research findings on the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs, offering a case study from Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Dr. Sarah Marks: Presented the psychological impact of transitioning to entrepreneurship, focusing on how women navigate uncertainty and risk.
- Olajumoke Adeyeye: Provided a practical perspective on entrepreneurship training programs and the skills women need to succeed in uncertain environments.
A Call to Action
The discussions culminated in a call to action for policymakers, stakeholders, and institutions to:
- Invest in Women-Centric Financing: Develop innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs.
- Create Supportive Ecosystems: Build networks and mentorship opportunities that foster collaboration and resilience among women entrepreneurs.
- Ensure Policy Alignment with SDG5: Advocate for policies that create enabling environments for women entrepreneurs to thrive, reducing systemic barriers and enhancing access to resources.
Audience Reflections
The interactive Q&A session reflected the audience’s engagement, with participants raising thought-provoking questions about policy interventions, the role of education in entrepreneurship, and strategies for addressing cultural barriers.
Looking Forward
This edition of the Hand-in-Hand Webinar Series was an eye-opening and inspiring session, reinforcing the need to focus on systemic solutions to the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The Women Research Network remains committed to advancing the conversation and driving meaningful action toward empowering women worldwide.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our speakers, attendees, and partners for contributing to the success of this event. Stay tuned for the next edition as we continue to explore innovative pathways to gender equality and women’s empowerment!
