While Czech women show equal interest in entrepreneurship as men, this enthusiasm doesn’t translate into reality. Only one-third of business owners are women. “Women often start businesses out of necessity – for flexibility. But they lack support, know-how, and often self-confidence,” says Lenka Šťastná, founder of Business & Professional Women Czech Republic.
Recent surveys reveal a concerning trend: girls’ interest in entrepreneurship significantly decreases after age fifteen. “Sometimes girls lose courage, even when they have a desire to own their own business,” Šťastná explains. This decline might be attributed to a lack of female role models and the transfer of negative family experiences.
One of the major disparities between men and women in business lies in their approach to finances. “Few women dare to ask for substantial investment. Most start small and build their business gradually. However, this very approach often hampers their growth,” notes Šťastná.
To overcome these barriers, Šťastná emphasizes the importance of family support, mentoring, women’s communities, and increased access to business education. She also highlights the significance of positive media representation: “Let’s show girls real examples of women who manage both business and family – even though it’s often challenging.”