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Singapore, where are the Mark Zuckerberg wannabe’s?
Interestingly, figures published by a female PhD researcher in 2000 show that the ratio of women to men of total business owners (number of women per 100 men) in Asia and the Pacific in the 1990s is only 22.
That is one of the lowest figures of all the regions in the world. Why the disparity?
In developing worlds and what we know as ‘harsh economic conditions’, there are as many female entrepreneurs as male entrepreneurs, they perhaps outnumber male entrepreneurs even. The differences could be driven by survival instincts or cultural and societal impediments.
Singapore’s context may reveal similar results. Try talking to the ladies here about entrepreneurship and see what you get. The small business concepts may emerge, like retail and food; both online and offline. But it’s not likely u’ll venture into google-like businesses, be it tech oriented or not. Can there be a female Mark Zuckerberg in Singapore? Or better, are there even female Mark Zuckerberg wanna-be(s) in Singapore?
The research paper demonstrated a few characteristics of women business owners that may provide some insight, ie women’s
- Risk-taking propensity,
- focus,
- high energy level,
- personal motivations,
- married,
- first born,
- self-employed father,
- general business management skills,
- social adroitness,
- interpersonal skills,
- competence in finance,
- and in managing relationships
But to these successfactors are added impediments in terms of knowledge of technology, education, training, access to credit and to top it off double shifts and double burden (which refers to the dual duties at work and at home).
Interestingly, the paper points to women’s ability to focus intensely as their ‘key success characteristic.’ I will say the ability to multi-task and yet focus intensely is the key.
The paper also points out that women’s business associations can play a part in providing support for these females. Here’s a quote:
‘As women watch one another, learn from one another, and communicate more freely, these networks expand… In addition business associations provide a system of bonding. “Women certainly do seek out opportunities to assist other women” Sharon Hadary, executive director of NFWBO asserted, “So many of the issues and problems are the same. The bond of being a woman business owner supersedes the cultural differences.” Without women’s business organizations, Women Entrepreneurs in the Global Economy entrepreneurs say they feel isolated. “Isolation is a dream killer,” and it is most certainly a business killer as well.’
This clearly points to the need for a female entrepreneurs network which might be largely informal and untapped upon now.
Don’t be mistaken that this post is about to declare a war between sexes. It’s real intention is to understand if there is a dearth of female entrepreneurs here in Singapore and a network may have scope to make a difference. The goal is to enable/support/nurture a female Mark Zuckerberg here!
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