Despite slogans like “girls can do anything,” research shows that many girls internalize limiting stereotypes about their potential from a very young age (Bian et al., 2017). These cultural biases erode self-confidence and shape perceptions of intelligence, steering girls away from certain careers even before adulthood. As a result, women remain underrepresented in business and entrepreneurship, where they face significant barriers including unequal access to funding, mentorship, and professional networks (The Alison Rose Review, 2019; Ghose et al., 2022).

Globally, women participate in entrepreneurship at roughly 80% the rate of men – only one in three entrepreneurs running an established business is female (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, 2023). This gap is mirrored in New Zealand, where women comprise only about 32% of business owners (MasterCard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, 2022) and women-only founder teams secured just 7% of venture capital deals in 2023 (Scoop Business, 2024). Such disparities highlight the ongoing need to dismantle gender bias and expand opportunities for women in entrepreneurship.

This is why Girls Mean Business exists—to ensure that every girl has the support, confidence, and resources to succeed, helping to level the playing field and create equal opportunities in business.