Maria Walsh MEP addressed EU Commissioner-designate for Equality Hadja Lahbib in the European Parliament, raising crucial questions on how the European Union must finally “smash the glass ceiling” for women in business and drive gender equality in entrepreneurship.
MEP Maria Walsh, a champion of women’s economic empowerment, highlighted the challenges female entrepreneurs face, particularly in accessing critical funding and support networks, and underscored the need for EU action to foster an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.
In her address to the Commissioner-Designate, MEP Maria Walsh asked a direct question: “How can the European Union ensure greater economic empowerment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women, given the significant barriers faced in launching their own businesses, such as limited access to business angels, venture capitalists, and other funding support networks?”
She went on to ask: “What is your current assessment of the measures and synergies put in place in light of the Gender Equality Strategy? And what EU programmes and funds could be promoted or created in that direction?”
MEP Maria Walsh emphasised that while measures exist within the EU Gender Equality Strategy, more needs to be done to actively support women who aspire to start and grow their own businesses across each of the 27 Member States. Companies founded solely by women garnered just 2.4% of total venture capital invested in European start-ups in 2021, although women comprise close to 40% of all European entrepreneurs. The gender credit gap that persists for female-owned businesses worldwide is estimated at $1.5 trillion.
Her question also tackled broader issues affecting female entrepreneurship, including the gender pay gap and representation in SMEs, calling on the Commissioner Designate to outline tangible steps to support gender equality in leadership and the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the EU.
Maria Walsh MEP is not just voicing her support for female entrepreneurship but is taking concrete steps to advance this cause. Walsh is working to establish a Female Founders Fund through the EIB, a new initiative aimed at providing female entrepreneurs with the financial support and resources they need to launch and scale their businesses. This fund would directly address the financing gap MEP Maria Walsh highlighted, offering female founders access to critical seed funding, mentorship, and strategic connections.
“I am determined to make a lasting impact on female entrepreneurship in Europe,” MEP Maria Walsh stated.
“The Female Founders Fund will be a stepping stone to help women overcome the unique challenges they face, from funding to scaling and breaking into male-dominated sectors. With this initiative, we’re looking to create a more equitable future where women are fully represented and empowered in the business world.”
MEP Maria Walsh’s initiative aligns with the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy but aims to push further by mobilising additional resources to tackle the deeply rooted financial and structural barriers women face. She concluded by urging the Commissioner Designate to work with the European Parliament to advance these goals and ensure women across Europe have the support they need to thrive as entrepreneurs.
