Its international women's day (March 8th) and boy oh boy are international women entrepreneurs paving the way for their sisters to excel in the business world!
These fierce female entrepreneurs are breaking down barriers and smashing stereotypes left, right, and center to create successful businesses that are changing the face of entrepreneurship. But let's not kid ourselves, it ain't all rainbows and unicorns for these trailblazers.
Nope, these ladies face unique challenges and obstacles that their male counterparts don't have to deal with.
So, in this article, we're gonna dive into the challenges and successes of international women entrepreneurs, and even toss in some tips for any aspiring female entrepreneurs out there who are ready to kick some business butt!
This post is all about international women entrepreneurs.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
The Challenges International Women Entrepreneurs Face
- Female entrepreneurs typically receive less funding than their male counterparts. In fact, women-led startups only receive about 2% of all venture capital funding worldwide. That's just plain ridiculous!
- Women entrepreneurs often struggle to be taken seriously in their industries. They might be perceived as "less competent" or "too emotional" by their peers and investors, which can seriously hinder their success.
- Balancing work and family life is a tough nut to crack for many women entrepreneurs. They might feel pressure to prioritize their families over their businesses or vice versa, and that can cause a lot of stress and guilt.
- International women entrepreneurs who come from conservative cultures may face even more challenges. They might be expected to conform to traditional gender roles, and their families or communities may not support their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Tips for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs 
- Do not be reluctant to seek the assistance and support of other female entrepreneurs. They can provide priceless insight and assistance since they have been in your footsteps.
- Network, network, network! Attend conferences, join groups, and connect with people in your industry. You never know who you might meet.
- Finding mentors and role models can be helpful and inspiring. They can provide viewpoints and insights that you would not have thought of.
- Have faith in your abilities and in yourself! Girl, you can do this!
Successes of International Women Entrepreneurs 
- International women entrepreneurs are crushing it in the business world despite the obstacles they confront. Compared to the overall business growth rate of 28%, the growth rate of enterprises (especially medium enterprises) owned by women is 58%. That's really impressive in our opinion!
- Women entrepreneurs frequently exhibit greater empathy and teamwork than their male colleagues, which results in more inclusive and creative businesses. In fact, organisations with more women in executive roles frequently have stronger financial results.
- Women business owners frequently have motivations other than financial gain. They might be passionate about resolving a certain issue or enhancing the lives of others, which might result in more socially conscious and significant businesses.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
Success Stories of International Women Entrepreneurs 
Amidst the sea of challenges that businesswomen face globally, there are inspiring stories of those who triumphed and made it to the top.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey is a prime example of a successful international women entrepreneur. She's from the United States and she began hosting talk shows as a career, and through her company, OWN, she ultimately amassed a media empire (Oprah Winfrey Network). Her net worth is over a Billion Dollars ($). Inspiring millions of women all over the world, she used her platform as a talk show host with a successful career to become a prominent advocate for fighting against gender inequality.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which offers education and chances to underprivileged girls, is one of the charitable endeavours Oprah has supported with her wealth and influence.
Oprah's success is proof of the value of a good team, a strong work ethic, and perseverance in creating a successful company and having a positive social effect.
2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Take Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the executive director of Biocon, who has not only amassed a fortune but also revolutionized the biotech industry.
3. Arianna Huffington
Arianna Huffington the mastermind behind Huffington Post, built a media dynasty and continues to fight for gender equity in corporate spaces. These women, among several others, serve as models of resilience and innovation for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to make a transformative impact on their communities
4. Sara Blakely
Sara Blakely is a renowned international women entrepreneur who founded Spanx, a company that specializes in shaping garments for women.
Starting from humble beginnings, Sara was inspired to create Spanx after being unable to find undergarments that would give her a smooth and seamless appearance under clothing. Through her own company, Sara has not only achieved great financial success, but she has also become an inspiration for women everywhere.
She has been recognized as one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in the world and was the youngest self-made female billionaire in history. Sara's success story shows the importance of recognizing and seizing new opportunities, as well as the value of a positive company culture that supports and empowers women-owned businesses.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
Developing a Success Culture for Female Business Entrepreneurs 
Developing a culture of success for female business owners is fundamental in advancing gender equality and economic development. The company's values and working arrangements can significantly influence the triumph of women entrepreneurs, who often juggle work and family responsibilities.
Business tycoons such as Oprah Winfrey and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw attribute their success to an amicable work environment and an empowering team.
It's imperative to create a level playing field for women in the business realm, with equal opportunities for growth and advancement.
Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash
The Private Sector's Contribution to the Promotion of Women's Enterprise
Encouraging women's entrepreneurship and financial inclusion requires the active participation of the private sector. Through a collaborative partnership among financial institutions, international leaders, and the United Nations, we can open up new horizons for female entrepreneurs across the globe.
Exciting outreach programs and an annual conference such as Women's Entrepreneurship Day serve as a platform for women to come together, share their success stories and learn from each other.
A recent twenty-two-fold surge in the original program for women-led SMEs is a testament to the private sector's capacity to spark progress and pave the way for more opportunities for women in business.
Overcoming Barriers to Women’s Entrepreneurship 
Promoting the elimination of impediments to female entrepreneurship is paramount for achieving gender equality, driving economic growth, and generating more prospects for women-led businesses.
Despite a significant uptick in the number of women-owned companies in recent times, women still grapple with various challenges when initiating and scaling their own businesses. These challenges comprise restricted access to financial services and venture capital, the lack of workplace agreements that facilitate work-life balance and household responsibilities, and conventional gender roles that restrict the opportunities accessible to women.
Fortunately, several organizations and initiatives, such as the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) and the Ignite Program, are dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and supporting women-led SMEs in global markets.
Through greater collaboration between public and private sectors and extensive outreach efforts, a more gender-equitable world can be created, offering equal opportunities for all.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
Final thoughts on International Women Entrepreneurs...
There it is, my friends! Female entrepreneurs across the globe are paving the way for women to dominate the business landscape, and we couldn't be more thrilled. Although they encounter unique obstacles and difficulties, they're surmounting them like the superstars they are.
If you're an aspiring female entrepreneur, take note: you've got what it takes, and I'm rooting for you!
Here's to the success of women entrepreneurs. 
I am working towards joing the list of the amazing and successful women entrepreneurs, and creating my own brand. Just like like Rihanna did with Fenty Beauty.
Happy International Women's Day!
