In 2024, women continue to face structural barriers and challenges disproportionately. Despite progress, around 118 million women in the region live in poverty (ECLAC), with marginalization and vulnerability as persistent realities, limiting their prosperity.
Despite facing countless challenges, it is women who, with their resilience and determination, position themselves as agents of change capable of driving progress and transforming their lives, their families, and their communities. They are the backbone for achieving economic and social prosperity.
Throughout history, women have found entrepreneurship to be an option to improve their quality of life and a fundamental tool for empowerment and autonomy: 82% of women in Latin America decide to start their own businesses due to the lack of formal employment, making entrepreneurship a solution to their circumstances (GEM).
Indeed, Latin America stands out for the entrepreneurial spirit of its women. The region has the highest number of women entrepreneurs in the world, with a rate of 21% for women-led businesses (GEM), a number that reflects not only the inherent talent and creativity of our women but also their ability to turn adversity into opportunity.
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), nearly 50% of women entrepreneurs globally are engaged in the wholesale/retail trade sector. Additionally, the sectors of government, health, education, and social services see a vast presence of women (17.6%). In contrast, only 2.3% are in the tech sector, a male-dominated industry, similar to agriculture, with fewer than 1 in 20 women operating in the field.
Creating conditions that enable women to start businesses and adopting measures to close existing gender gaps is urgent, right, and profitable. Currently, the region has a business closure rate of 7%, the highest recorded, making it necessary to offer solutions that address financing and training challenges.
For over 30 years, Pro Mujer has supported more than 2.5 million women across the region in developing their potential and achieving economic autonomy through entrepreneurship. Last year alone, we positively impacted the lives of 428,000 people, disbursed USD 286 million in loans, developed the skills of over 208,000 women, and provided financial services to more than 184,000 women.
Moreover, we reaffirm our commitment to Latin American female entrepreneurs every day with programs like Emprende Pro Mujer, which offers training opportunities in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, helping them develop their full potential. Every woman-led business is a testament to resilience, creativity, and determination.
Recognizing and supporting female entrepreneurship is not only a matter of justice and equity but also a smart strategy for economic development. By empowering female entrepreneurs, we strengthen our local and national economies and inspire future generations to dream big and break barriers. Let’s celebrate and support all the women who, day by day, catalyze the development of our region.
