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Stéphanie Chasserio appears on France Inter to discuss female entrepreneurship
Stéphanie Chasserio, a professor of management, member of the SKEMA Centre for Sustainability Studies research centre, and director of the Globalisation Academy, recently took part in the programme “Le téléphone sonne” hosted by Fabienne Sintes on France Inter. Her intervention focused on the challenges and opportunities of female entrepreneurship in France.
In her conversation with Marjolaine Pierrat-Feraille, general delegate of the Les Premières network, Stéphanie Chasserio discussed the gendered perspective that persists within entrepreneurship. Despite an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs, women still face a gendered view of entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial process remains more accessible for men, highlighting persistent inequalities. As a specialist on the subject, Stéphanie Chasserio co-edited a book on the issue, titled “Parcours de femmes entrepreneures en France” published by EMS in 2020.
Economic and social obstacles
The programme highlighted several crucial points, notably that female entrepreneurs are half as likely to obtain a bank loan compared to their male counterparts. This imbalance underscores the enduring gender stereotypes and the need for increased support for women in the business world.
Stéphanie Chasserio, Fabienne Sintes and Marjolaine Pierrat-Feraille.
Supporting female entrepreneurs: a necessity
Stéphanie Chasserio discussed strategies to better support women in starting businesses, beyond simply teaching them the “male codes” of success. She addressed the issue of the feeling of illegitimacy often experienced by female entrepreneurs and the search for inspiring and appropriate role models.
Female entrepreneurship: an insurmountable Everest?
For women, the average age of starting a business is 36, often after reaching a glass ceiling in their salaried careers. However, 67% of female entrepreneurs are unable to pay themselves the minimum wage, and the workload is considerable. The majority of micro-entrepreneurs are women, who often find themselves managing their businesses alone.
Possible solutions?
The discussion also covered the tools and measures needed to lighten the load, particularly administrative, for female entrepreneurs. The participants emphasised the importance of tailored support and the implementation of solutions to promote the empowerment and recognition of women in the entrepreneurial field.
