“According to the latest 2023 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, for the first time in Chile, female entrepreneurial activity matched that of men—a significant achievement in closing the gender gap in this field. However, disparities persist that call for action.
For example, 70% of women micro-entrepreneurs in Chile earn monthly incomes equal to or less than the minimum wage, compared to just 40.5% of men. This 29.9-point gap highlights the ongoing economic disadvantage women face, as reported in the 7th Micro-Entrepreneurship Survey conducted by the National Statistics Institute (INE).
Why do women entrepreneurs earn less, and how can we close this gap? At Fundación Luksic, through our Despega Mujer program, we conducted a diagnostic to identify the main barriers women face in growing their businesses. These include family responsibilities and a disproportionate burden of domestic work, with women performing twice as many hours of unpaid labor weekly as men. These challenges create opportunity costs, limiting women’s access to training, networking, and other activities outside the home—key factors in driving the growth of their businesses.
Moreover, 69% of women entrepreneurs in Chile report not having received any kind of formal training. Training, along with gender-focused mentorship, is critical for fostering sustainable business growth.
During this month of celebrating International Women Entrepreneurs Day, it’s essential that all stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem work to empower women by providing the tools and skills they need to scale their businesses. This will enable them to reach their full potential, contribute even more to the country’s development, and maintain the flexibility required to balance their business and personal lives.”
