Male-dominated industries, networks and role models
Professional barriers
The issue
Another significant challenge faced by female entrepreneurs, as with female leaders in business, is the male-dominated nature of the leadership in many industries and the resulting lack of diverse networks and role models. Our survey found that 23% of respondents identified that operating in a male-dominated industry was an obstacle to business growth. Furthermore, 21% of survey respondents cited a lack of networks champions for women and role models to learn from as a gender-specific barrier to growth.
of respondents identified that operating in a male-dominated industry was an obstacle to business growth.
What our panel said
“There need to be more opportunities for networking and mentoring. I’ve had amazing mentors, both of whom are men, whom I still turn to when I need something. Mentoring is what builds confidence in women.”
- Lea Cheesbrough
Action needed
Mentorship programmes can play a vital role in helping female entrepreneurs navigate the male-dominated landscape. Mentorship schemes for entrepreneurs include the Entrepreneur Mentor in Residence programme at the London Business School, supporting students to build and launch businesses.
On a national level, mentorsme.co.uk finds mentors for people looking to set up their own businesses but many local level schemes also exist. At the most informal level, many female entrepreneurs and leaders we spoke to cited their parents as the best mentors, most of whom included a combination of a working mother and/or a father proud to champion their daughter’s ambitions.
Initiatives such as Women in Property, Women in Convenience, Tech She Can and POWERful Women – among many others - are great examples of industry-specific networks that offer resources, community, and mentorship opportunities. By connecting with other women in their industry, female entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights, build their confidence, and navigate common challenges. These connections can lead to potential collaborations, partnerships, and business growth opportunities.