One in three female entrepreneurs have experienced sexism as a business owner, while one in five have also experienced gender inequality and unequal access to opportunities, according to a new study by Simply Business, one of the UK’s largest providers of small business insurance.
Overall, more than 90% of female entrepreneurs say gender bias and inequality is prevalent in business, with a third describing it as ‘widespread’ or ‘severe’.
To better support female business owners, over a third have called for more one-to-one mentorship from a business expert, alongside support and advice with funding (37%). A further third (33%) called for more tips and advice from female leaders in their industry and two in five (41%) female business owners called for the opportunity to network with other women business owners.
As a deep dive into experiences of sexism and gender bias in business, the study by Simply Business involved 800 women in business, and revealed over a fifth of female entrepreneurs have faced investors, colleagues, or customers making quick assumptions about them, or underestimating them when compared to their male counterparts.
One in five don’t feel they’re taken seriously compared to men in their industry, and nearly a fifth of female entrepreneurs don’t feel they have a loud enough voice, or aren’t heard enough compared to men.
Furthermore, a fifth say they’re not taken as seriously when pitching their product or business, and one in 10 (8%) don’t have access to the same networks or mentors as men.
Baroness Karren Brady, ambassador for Simply Business, said: “The level of gender bias and inequality within business, particularly within the small business landscape, is astounding. Sexism and bias, whether conscious or unconscious, will erode confidence over time and lead to unequal opportunities. It’s vital we challenge sexism and bias, and equip female entrepreneurs with the tools, access and confidence to overcome these obstacles. We need to inspire women into business, not bring them down.”
Female entrepreneurs and business owners have experienced gender bias and sexism across all industries and regions of the UK.
Samantha Small, owner of Mother Shipton Inn pub and restaurant in Knaresboroughadded: “As a woman who both heads a busy kitchen and runs the business as a whole, it still astounds me how many people will direct comments or business advice to my male partner. Everything from oven repairs to new suppliers. It’s a bug bear, but unfortunately, something that I’ve had to learn to deal with.”
