Report by Cherie Blair Foundation for Women emphasizes that Women entrepreneurs are critical drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction in low- and middle-income countries.

• If women were able to participate equally as entrepreneurs to men, global GDP could be boosted by as much as $5 trillion – about the size of Japan’s economy.
• Despite the significant ownership of the businesses (50% in Latin America, 44% in East Asia), women entrepreneurs face systemic challenges that hinder their business success.

Key Challenges Faced by women entrepreneurs

• Finance Access: High borrowing costs, strict collateral requirements, and limited financial literacy block business growth capital.
• Registration Barriers: High costs and complex bureaucracy prevent formal business registration.
• Internet Gap:  While 92% of women entrepreneurs in LMICs surveyed own a personal smartphone, 45% lack regular internet access due to high data costs and unreliable connectivity.
• Online Safety Barriers: report finds that 57% of surveyed women entrepreneurs have experienced some form of online harassment.
• E-commerce Limitations: Less use of e-commerce platforms due to high costs, payment distrust, and complex onboarding.
• Mobility Restrictions: Women need accompaniment, special arrangements and some also have to deal with time restrictions due to safety concerns.