Despite an overall increase in the percentage of female entrepreneurs in Belgium, fewer women started businesses in 2023.
Some 35.6% of Belgian entrepreneurs were women in 2023, up from 33.7% in 2007, according to figures from the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, released on Wednesday.
The department predicts that the gender gap will narrow further, as female entrepreneurs are generally younger than their male counterparts. Around 12 % are under 30 years old, and 23.9 % are between 30 and 40 years old.
However, the number of women starting businesses decreased in 2023 due to the worsening economic climate.
Female entrepreneurs are mainly active in the liberal professions and trade sectors.
Belgium fares better than its neighbours, ranking seventh in Europe, above the EU average and higher than France, Luxembourg, and Germany, according to the Department.
The calculation of self-employed individuals also includes helpers – individuals who assist or replace a self-employed person in their activities without being bound by an employment contract.
Eléonore Simonet, Minister for SMEs and the Self-Employed, criticised the figures as “far too low”.
“The world of entrepreneurship is still often a ‘man’s business’, with only 36 % of active self-employed women,” said Simonet.
“This is far too low; it is vital that we bring about change,” she added “No woman should have to choose between her family and her professional future.”
