How Gender Roles Impact Canadian Women in Business

Canadian women are increasingly stepping into entrepreneurship across industries like retail, technology, and food services. Their growing numbers and contributions have created over 1.5 million jobs and generated $150 billion for the economy, according to a Canadian Federation of Independent Business study. Yet, a recent PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise survey reveals that women entrepreneurs face barriers that strain their mental health and hinder success.

Financial Access Remains a Key Barrier

Accessing funding is a significant challenge, with 86% of women in the PARO survey citing financial pressures as a major stressor. Studies show women-owned businesses are more likely to face loan rejections compared to male-owned ventures. Women also struggle more to qualify for government funding programs.

Balancing business responsibilities with caregiving remains difficult due to entrenched gender roles. Women often carry the primary burden of managing households, leaving them overwhelmed. Additionally, many women entrepreneurs lack access to mentorship and support networks, which are essential for guidance and success. PARO roundtables highlighted the demand for a buddy system to combat feelings of isolation.

Access to mental health resources is another issue, with long waitlists for public services and high costs for private care, leaving many without adequate support. Indigenous and visible minority women face compounded challenges, including systemic discrimination and limited representation in leadership roles.

Solutions to Foster Women’s Entrepreneurship

Governments can play a crucial role in supporting women entrepreneurs by:

•Ensuring equitable access to funding tailored to women’s needs.

•Expanding networking and mentorship programs that prioritize diversity and inclusivity.

•Providing resources like affordable childcare to improve work-life balance.

•Increasing representation of women in leadership positions within government and business sectors.

•Enhancing timely access to mental health resources.

Women entrepreneurs contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and communities. By addressing these challenges and implementing supportive policies, governments can unlock their full potential and pave the way for greater economic and social progress.