Empowering Women Founders

Panel participants emphasized the problem of women’s insufficient role in creating innovative ventures. It was pointed out that the percentage of women running their own start-ups was too low and that there was insufficient participation of women in startup management teams. Moreover, it was stressed that most of the capital goes to startups set up by men. The problem concerns not only Poland, but also the whole Europe. The background to the problems is related to the constant stereotypical approach to the upbringing of women and the shaping of the role of women in society. Adequate perception of parenthood and The role of both parents in bringing up children can significantly improve the current situation. As ideas for a change in the status quo, the panellists indicated, among others, the organization of competitions dedicated to The European Women Challenge Competition. However, this entails the risk of women being perceived as weaker and more vulnerable, and not the young owners of companies care about this. Therefore, it seems more important to support initiatives and organizations that evaluate the project on the basis of the quality of a business idea, not on the basis of gender. Such an approach appears, among others, in the following funds investment projects that include women. Establishment of organisations open to equal support of both sexes is an important measure that can reduce the existing gap. Another important action is also to provide adequate support for women in the form of mentoring. Role of women in society is very demanding. Women are under too much pressure from the following multiple roles of mother, wife, hostess, etc… It is difficult to fulfill the expectations of each of these roles in 100%. Therefore, the appropriate support from women who face similar problems is extremely important for raising self-esteem and finding the balance to adequately meet these requirements roles.