Women business owners and working women face certain challenges and obstacles that men do not. Working women who have children experience even more demands on time, energy and resources, and women face gender discrimination in business and on the job. But women are not less successful than men, in fact, statistics show that women are starting businesses at more than twice the rate of all other businesses. Women are resourceful, and able to succeed, despite many challenges.
Here are ways that women are overcoming the challenges facing women in business.
1. Finding the Right Work-Life Balance For Busy Working Women
Many women struggle with finding better ways to balance work and life and often this guilt comes from outside sources like pressure from husbands, family, and friends. Some (wealthier) women opt to travel by private jet to have more time with their families, while others, like billionaire and super entrepreneur Marilyn Carlson Nelson believe that women should not feel guilty about having a passion for work.2. Overcoming Gender Discrimination Against Women in Business
Gender lines are drawn early, and exclusions for women continue throughout adulthood. Not only are women discriminated against in private businesses, but also by the Federal government. Gender bias begins in elementary school continuing on into college. Even though more women hold higher degrees than men, they are still passed over for jobs that go to less-educated and less-qualified males, and they also receive less compensation than men for the same job.3. Women's Business Issues and Political Challenges
There are laws that protect women, and laws that hurt women in the workplace and it is important for women to consider how far we have come in legislative changes - and how far we have to go.- John McCain and Sarah Palin on Women's Issues
- Barack Obama and Joe Biden on Women's Issues
- H.R. 5050 - The Women's Business Ownership Act
- H.R. 2831 - Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007
- Legal Precedent Allows Women to Be Fired for Being Stalked at Work
- A History of Laws That Adversely Affected Women
4. Job Fields and Industries Women in Business Are Dominating
Women do face many challenges including discrimination and are often paid less than men for doing the same job. But there are some industries where women are competing and even dominate. Knowing where women are succeeding can help you decide areas to grow your business and identify obstacles in male-dominated industries.5. Networks and Resources For Overcoming Women's Challenges in Business
Two of the most effective tools in overcoming challenges working women face include networking and finding a mentor. And two of the biggest challenges women face are finding funding and getting government contracts.- How to Create a Strong Business Network
- How to Find a Business Mentor
- Successful Women Use the Internet
- Resources for Asian Women
- Resources for Latinas and Hispanic Women in Business
- Small Business Funding for Women
- Funding for Women from the Small Business Administration
- Tips for Women-Owned Businesses Applying for Federal Contracts
6. Government Challenges and Resources for Women
The Federal Government offers many programs and resources to help business women. But the government is also one of the worse offenders when it comes to discriminating against women in regards to awarding federal contracts. Knowing the resources available to you, can help you compete better in both the private sector and for Federal contracts.- Why Women Should Use the FTC as a Resource
- Tips for Women Business Owners Applying for Federal Government Contracts
- Consider Certifying as a Women-Owned Business
- Congress Creates a New Challenge For Women in Business
- How the Small Business Administration Helps Women
- How the Small Business Administration Hinders Women
- Federal Resources for Minority Women
- The Central Contracting Registry
