Tamara Chayo

Women entrepreneurs in the fields of health and sustainability face unique challenges and opportunities while seeking to make a positive impact on the world. These areas are especially conducive to the socially conscious startup ecosystem, as they address some of the most important issues facing society today. However, entrepreneurship is difficult and can be even more so for young women.

Going uphill

One of the main challenges facing women entrepreneurs in health, sustainability and technology is the lack of representation and visibility. Despite the fact that women make up a large part of the workforce in these sectors, they are underrepresented in leadership positions, even in the world of startups that, in theory, seek to break established paradigms.
However, one thing that young women entrepreneurs are changing is the definition of competitiveness. The new generation does not talk about competing in terms of project scope or being better than the competition; they see in this definition a very clear line that implies growing together and creating support networks to be better.
Women entrepreneurs support each other because they know that climbing the ladder in a world where successful companies are led by men is doubly challenging, but together and adding experiences and efforts, the climb is more agile.
The same is the case when it comes to receiving financing; funds seek certainty and scalable companies, where the premise is that the founder must be skilled and experienced, and we young people are the ones to lose. So the combination of women and young people is not always the best. But little by little this premise is being reversed because the new generations of female entrepreneurs are demonstrating that youth is not lack of experience, it is innovation, perseverance and passion.

Taking the opportunities that present themselves

Despite these challenges, there are also many opportunities for women entrepreneurs, particularly in healthcare and sustainability. These industries are growing rapidly; with it, the demand for innovative and socially responsible solutions is increasing. Women should lead in these areas, as they often bring unique perspectives and approaches to solving problems.
For example, women are more likely to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities, as well as focus on issues such as access to resources and rights. In that sense, products and services can be developed that truly meet the needs of historically overlooked individuals and groups.
In addition to all of the above, it is a good strategy to invest in women-led businesses. According to data from McKinsey & Company, companies with women in leadership positions tend to deliver better results. Likewise, companies with more diverse leadership teams are more innovative and adaptable, precisely because they set aside the pre-established patterns of the past.

What is needed?

One way to support women entrepreneurs is to provide them with access to highly effective networking and mentoring opportunities. This can help them connect with other successful business leaders and learn from their experiences, particularly if they are other women who can serve as inspiration and role models.
Young women entrepreneurs have also raised specific issues such as the need for gender-focused accelerators and incubators, i.e., meeting spaces where women’s specific challenges are addressed and their projects are promoted.
It is not a matter of ‘just women’ for the sake of it; but of the importance of promoting projects that have less visibility just because behind them there is a young woman who wants to change the world. Women entrepreneurs are waking up and every day we are more united and stronger: our super power is unity and with it we are tracing the path of more conscious and equitable companies for the benefit of all.