The Danish Foundation for Entrepreneurship has initiated a three-year research project to explore this issue. According to Christian Vintergaard, CEO of the foundation, it is a well-known fact that only about 25% of all entrepreneurs are women and that a minimal amount of venture capital goes to companies founded by women.
Interestingly, a pilot project shows that girls aged 10-14 actually have more confidence in their own entrepreneurial abilities than boys in the same age group. But this balance disappears as girls get older and boys’ interest in entrepreneurship grows significantly.
Nanna-Katrine Gram Lange, a future PhD student at the University of Copenhagen, points out that the difference between men and women is not as great as the current inequality among entrepreneurs suggests. Research will therefore focus on why this gender difference occurs at an early age and how it can be reduced.
Stine Colding Alstrup from The Diversity Commitment also points out that the problem is likely structural. This indicates that the solution lies not in changing the girls, but rather in creating an environment where their opportunities and interests can flourish.
This research project is crucial as it can give us valuable insights into how we can create a more equal entrepreneurial environment. At CVX, we look forward to the results of this important work and are committed to supporting initiatives that promote diversity and equality in entrepreneurship.
It’s important for all of us to understand why girls are losing interest in entrepreneurship and how we can change this trend. By educating and supporting young girls, we can ensure that the entrepreneurial landscape of the future is more inclusive and representative of society as a whole.
