By Deborah Hune
In a rapidly changing world, we need fresh perspectives, creative solutions and courageous decisions. Female entrepreneurs bring exactly that to the table – and much more. But although women are founding more and more companies worldwide, they are still underrepresented in the start-up and innovation scene. Yet current studies show that more women in business results in more success, more innovation and more sustainability.
Numbers that count: Women as an economic factor
According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2024, global equality in economic participation and opportunity is only 60.5% – an area where progress is particularly slow (1). At the same time, studies show that companies with diverse leadership teams achieve significantly better business results (2).
These figures prove: Diversity in thinking leads to better decisions. Women bring different experiences, perspectives and leadership styles to the table – and this is precisely what makes companies more resilient and future-proof.
Innovation meets sustainability: the female perspective
Female founders start up companies differently. Studies show that women are more likely to set up companies with a social or ecological focus. They tend to think more long-term, more sustainably and often also more inclusively (2). This does not mean that men do not do this, but women bring issues such as social justice, education, health or the environment particularly strongly into the start-up landscape.
Especially in times of global crises – from climate change to migration – these perspectives are crucial. Female founders are not just entrepreneurs, they are shapers of a better future.
Diversity is not a ‘nice-to-have’ – it is a ‘must-have’
The world is facing complex challenges. To solve them, we need teams that think, feel and act differently. Diversity isn’t just a moral imperative – it’s a strategic advantage. Companies that embrace diversity are more innovative, more adaptable and more successful (2).
And yet, according to Deloitte, the proportion of women in management positions is stagnating worldwide – many women experience increasing pressure and a lack of opportunities for advancement, despite all the talk of equality (3).
Despite the clear benefits of diversity, women face numerous structural barriers in the business world. These include gender pay gaps, lack of access to funding, and societal stereotypes that undermine their leadership potential. For instance, only 1.9% of venture capital funding goes to women-founded startups, despite these startups generating higher returns (4). It is time to change this.
What we need: Empowerment, visibility and support
Programmes such as NatAlli make an important contribution here. NatAlli supports highly qualified Ukrainian women on their path to self-employment or leadership roles. The programme creates spaces for exchange, mentoring and growth.
Because every female entrepreneur who starts today is a role model for tomorrow!
Do you know a woman with an idea but no network? Are you a founder yourself or want to become one? Connect with us and join the NatAlli Community Platform here: Community – Natalli Project
Sources:
1: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2024/digest/
2: https://www.weforum.org/publications/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-lighthouses-2025/
3: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/women-at-work-global-outlook.html
