Many women entrepreneurs in Europe are careful in taking risks. They are reluctant to display the ‘boldness’ of their male competitors. Another interesting phenomenon is that women entrepreneurs in industrialized countries are more likely to be part-time entrepreneurs than men are. In the Netherlands for example, that is two in three women entrepreneurs.
Of course, if this is a personal, deliberate choice, it is absolutely fine. But women should never let social norms, modesty and lack of self-confidence stand in their way!
In reality, there is no need for self-doubt.
The level of education of Dutch women entrepreneurs is actually higher than that of men entrepreneurs. It is also higher than the average in the European Union. If our knowledge economy was a vehicle, a woman would be in the driver’s seat!
So my message to them is: rev up the engine. You can do it! Believe in yourself and in your business! Rest