A recent study conducted by Fem-Up Project explored the entrepreneurial journey of women in Turkey, Slovenia, Malta, Spain, Italy, and Greece. This research sheds light on the diverse challenges faced by women who aim to transform their business ideas into reality, while also revealing the key factors that can empower them to succeed. From educational background to family responsibilities, the findings provide a nuanced picture of what shapes women’s entrepreneurial potential.
The survey was conducted online between March and May 2024. A standardized questionnaire was used, which was distributed via various channels such as social media platforms, business networks and collaborations with neighborhood organizations. The survey was completed by collecting responses from 182 respondents, representing a sample from different regions of the countries involved in the project.
Understanding the Landscape
The survey reached women from various walks of life and across different age groups. These women shared their experiences with confidence, skills, and access to resources—three essential pillars for successful entrepreneurship. The findings also highlighted how social and personal circumstances, such as gender roles and family size, influence their ability to pursue business ventures.
Unemployment is a Major Problem Among Women
The results of the survey showed that the majority of respondents were not working, while only 41% were employed. This is an important finding regarding women’s inadequate labor force participation rates. In this context, Fem-UP’s research complemented this research by including a majority of women who are not in employment. With the information obtained, it thus focused on providing solutions to encourage the participation of an important disadvantaged group in entrepreneurship.
Age Matters: Navigating Different Stages of Life
Young Women (18–22 Ages) The Dreamers
For the youngest group of participants, stepping into the world of entrepreneurship is filled with uncertainty. Many women admitted they weren’t sure how or where to begin developing their business ideas. The most significant obstacles they reported were a lack of financial resources, insufficient entrepreneurial skills, and low confidence. These challenges were compounded by limited exposure to formal entrepreneurship training.
Interestingly, most young women in this group said they hadn’t experienced direct gender discrimination, and they felt they could manage it if it arose. Despite this resilience, the gap in foundational knowledge about business remains a key barrier that prevents many from taking their first steps.
Building Confidence (23–27 Ages)
As women transition into their mid-20s, the picture changes. This age group showed higher participation in entrepreneurship training, which helped them develop stronger skills compared to their younger counterparts. However, they still faced difficulties managing finances, accessing public funding, and building relationships with stakeholders.
What stood out in this group was their confidence: the majority believed they had the skills to navigate gender biases and other obstacles. While many reported experiencing gender inequality in work, family, or educational environments, they also demonstrated a growing ability to confront such challenges.
Women in Their Prime (28–32 Ages)
By their late 20s and early 30s, women reported struggling with more complex challenges. For women in the 28-32 ages, the key findings showed that around 65% of women in this group do not know where and how to start pursuing their entrepreneurial ideas. Furthermore, more than 86% of women by their late 20s and 30s have never made an investor or entrepreneurship pitch before. The areas where these women show the most entrepreneurial skill gaps include identifying a business idea, managing relationships with angel investors, and network management. The top three barriers they identified were lack of confidence, inadequate business management skills and limited access to finance. It was also found that more than 90% of women in this age group had previously experienced gender inequality and nearly half of them were aware of their ability to deal with such challenges. Gender bias was most commonly encountered in the workplace, followed by education and family life.
Household Dynamics: Balancing Family and Business
The study also explored how family responsibilities impact entrepreneurial tendencies. Women living in larger households often faced greater challenges in pursuing their business goals. This finding underscores the role that caregiving and domestic responsibilities—often disproportionately borne by women—play in limiting opportunities for personal and professional growth.
For many women, managing a household leaves little room for entrepreneurial pursuits. The added workload often reduces the time, energy, and focus needed to develop and execute business ideas. This highlights the need for policies and support systems that can alleviate domestic burdens, such as childcare services, to help women balance family life with their aspirations.
Respondents Living in Urban and Rural Areas
The results revealed that the respondents differed demographically according to their place of residence. It showed that respondents lived in places of residence categorized as “urban”, “semi-urban” or “rural”. The results showed that a clear majority of respondents in all countries – around 70% – lived in urban areas. Although respondents were predominantly from urban areas, care was also taken to ensure that respondents were from urban and semi-urban areas. Thus, the entrepreneurship-related barriers of women living in more disadvantaged areas in terms of geographical proximity could also be specifically examined.
The Urban Advantage
Another key insight was the influence of geography on entrepreneurial opportunities. The majority of participants lived in urban areas, where access to resources, networks, and training programs are often more readily available. Women in rural and semi-urban regions faced additional barriers, such as fewer funding opportunities and limited access to mentorship, which can stifle entrepreneurial ambitions. Addressing these disparities requires targeted initiatives to bring resources and training to underserved areas.
Education: The Game Changer
It is revealed that education emerged as a crucial factor in empowering women entrepreneurs. Those who had received entrepreneurship training were significantly more likely to take bold steps, such as pitching their ideas to investors. This training not only builds technical skills but also boosts confidence, making it easier for women to navigate the challenges of starting and sustaining a business.
Interestingly, while STEM education also had a positive effect, it was entrepreneurship-specific training that proved to be the most impactful. This suggests that tailored programs focusing on practical business skills, networking, and leadership can make a transformative difference in women’s entrepreneurial journeys.
Breaking Down Barriers: What Needs to Change?
The findings of this research underline the pressing need for systemic changes to support women in entrepreneurship. Some key areas for improvement include:
- Accessible Education and Training : Offering more opportunities for women to gain business skills, especially in rural areas.
- Financial Support : Expanding access to funding through grants, loans, and investor networks tailored for women entrepreneurs.
- Challenging Gender Norms : Promoting awareness and creating environments where women can thrive professionally without facing biases.
- Family Support Systems : Providing childcare, flexible work arrangements, and other services that reduce the burden of household responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
FEM-Up project paints a hopeful challenging picture of women’s entrepreneurial potential. While barriers like gender roles, confidence gaps, and limited resources persist, education and targeted support hold the key to unlocking new opportunities. By addressing these challenges, we can create a more inclusive business environment where women across Europe can turn their aspirations into achievements.
