Argonaut Aura

Interestingly, a female PhD researcher published in 2000 that the ratio of women to men of total business owners (number of women per 100 men) in Asia and the Pacific in the 1990s is only 22.

one of the lowest of all the regions in the world. Why the disparity? In developing worlds and what we know as ‘harsh economic conditions’, female entrepreneurs are actually comparable and perhaps outnumber male entrepreneurs. The differences could be driven by survival instincts or cultural and societal impediments.

i tink a scan in singapore’s context may reveal similar results. Try talking to the ladies here about entrepreneurship and see what you get. The small business concepts may emerge, like retail and food; both online and offline. But it’s not likely u’ll venture into google-like businesses, be it tech oriented or not. Can there be a female mark zuckerberg in singapore? To start with, is there even female mark zuckerberg wanna-be(s) in Singapore?

The research paper also demonstrated a few characteristic tendencies of women business owners:

• Risk-taking propensity,
• focus,
• high energy level,
• personal motivations,
• married,
• first born,
• self-employed father,
• general business management skills,
• social adroitness,
• interpersonal skills,
• competence in finance,
• and in managing relationships

with a long list of impediments in terms of technology, education, training, credit access and to top it off double shift, double burden (which refers to the dual duties at work and at home).

Interestingly, the paper points to women’s ability to focus intensely as the key success characteristic. I will say the ability to multi-task and yet focus intensely is the key. It also points to women’s business associations part in providing support for these females. Here’s a quote:

‘As women watch one another, learn from one another, and communicate more freely, these networks expand… In addition business associations provide a system of bonding. “Women certainly do seek out opportunities to assist other women” Sharon Hadary, executive director of NFWBO asserted, “So many of the issues and problems are the same. The bond of being a woman business owner supersedes the cultural differences.” Without women’s business organizations, Women Entrepreneurs in the Global Economy entrepreneurs say they feel isolated. “Isolation is a dream killer,” and it is most certainly a business killer as well.’

This clearly points to the need for a female entrepreneurs network which might be largely informal and untapped upon now.

Besides, the Hillary’s ‘oh-so-close’ campaign did throw some world attention to the sexism topic and in her words:

“Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it has about 18 million cracks in it and the light is shining through like never before.”

Don’t be mistaken that this post is about to declare a war between sexes. It’s real intention is to understand if there is a dearth of female entrepreneurs here and if a network (such as bluestocking) may have scope to make a difference. My belief is yes and the goal is to enable/support/nurture a female mark zuckerberg and more here. Do help us realise this vision in whatever ways you can (regardless of your sex)! =)