In the 19th century, women entrepreneurs, though a small percentage of business owners, left a distinct impact on the economy. A study by Ruveyda Nur Gozen, research economist at the London School of Economics, used historical census data to analyze women-owned manufacturing businesses and draw lessons for today’s economy.
Gozen and her team identified 3,600 women-owned establishments—just 1% of the dataset—through name-based gender inference. These businesses operated with less initial capital, were concentrated in industries like clothing and shoemaking, and were located primarily in the Eastern U.S. and California. Notably, female entrepreneurs hired more women and paid them higher wages than male-owned businesses, suggesting that increasing female entrepreneurship creates broader opportunities for women in the labor market.
Despite historical progress, modern data reveals that women still participate less in entrepreneurial and innovative activities than men. Gozen emphasizes the need for role models and policy interventions to break barriers, ensuring untapped talent contributes to economic growth.
The legacy of 19th-century inventors like Josephine Cochrane, creator of the dishwasher, highlights women’s ingenuity. Their focus on practical household innovations set the stage for impactful contributions. Lessons from these pioneers underscore the importance of fostering inclusivity and addressing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs today.
