
Over the last 5 years, Wallonia has seen an increase of 14% in the number of self-employed women, compared with 8% for men. However, women entrepreneurs still face significant obstacles in their entrepreneurial journey. Aware of these challenges, and in a move towards a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW) is launching an ambitious campaign to raise awareness and encourage women to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
Almost 3 out of 10 female entrepreneurs in Belgium are from Wallonia
Limiting beliefs, the main challenge
However, despite this progress, female entrepreneurs in Wallonia still often face difficulties on their professional path, such as limiting beliefs (lack of self-confidence, lack of legitimacy, imposter syndrome, etc.). In fact, 60% of women don't dare take the plunge due to a lack of self-confidence.
"Since childhood, women have internalised words and phrases from those around them that can lead to a diminished self-image, resulting among other things in a need for external validation. Moreover, women are more likely to look after others before themselves. This often hinders their ability to fully invest in their own aspirations. It's time to recognise this imbalance, so that women can prioritise their own well-being and projects, without feeling guilty", explains Julie Denis, a psychologist specialising in coaching entrepreneurs.
Other obstacles still hold back female entrepreneurs in Wallonia, including prospecting for new customers, the difficulty and/or fear of invoicing their services at their proper value, the lack of professional contacts and managing the mental workload.
These challenges, though complex, can be overcome with the right support and resources. "There are many things women can do to achieve their full potential. First, refocus on themselves, putting the emphasis on their aspirations, needs and values, thereby encouraging self-validation rather than seeking external validation. They can then apply the 'small steps' method for taking action. Faced with the complexity of the question of our value and position, moving forward gradually helps us avoid panic while discovering what really suits us. Taking action generates self-confidence, creating a virtuous circle of female empowerment," explains Julie Denis. "However, to bring about this change, and for women to take their rightful place in the entrepreneurial landscape, the support of those around them and of support structures is also crucial. That's why awareness-raising campaigns like the one developed by SPW are important and must be permanently rolled out, along with support for project developers".
An inspiring round table
To inspire women to take the plunge, we organised a round-table discussion with a number of female entrepreneurs and business leaders. "It's important to have the support of those around you when you have young children and are in a position of responsibility. I still don't understand why paternity leave isn't as long as maternity leave in Belgium," regrets Amélie Matton, CEO of Ecosteryl and mother of three children aged 9, 6 and 2. "You shouldn't hesitate to delegate tasks either, even if it comes with a certain price tag," she advises.
For the CEO of the Mons-based company, becoming a mum has changed the way she works, but in a positive way. "I used to travel a lot because I set up the company's sales department, but then I travelled a lot less and that was an opportunity, since I took over the technical departments. That allowed me to broaden my skills".
Amélie Alleman, founder of the recruitment agency Betuned, echoes these sentiments. She has had to juggle her role as manager and mother, without neglecting her responsibilities. "At one point, our offices were set up like a crèche because I couldn't find a place for my baby," she recalls with a laugh.
"What I love about being an entrepreneur is the limitless creativity I can draw on every day," enthuses fresh-faced Margaux Brancart, co-founder of BCM2. "You have to be able to overcome your fears and believe in your dreams and passions, despite the many obstacles along the way," advises Euphrasie Mbamba, founder of the chocolatiers Sigoji. Béa Ercolini, founder of the BeaBee women's business circle, stresses the importance of a good network, which can save precious time when you meet the right people at the right time. "It's a lifeline that has helped me break through glass ceilings and take big steps forward," underscores Euphrasie Mbamba. Each of these business owners highlight the tenacity and audacity needed to realise their project and keep faith in their passion, while showing a certain humility in their interactions.
March is the month when female entrepreneurs are put in the spotlight in Wallonia, with the "Elle, c'est vous'' campaign
To boost the self-confidence of women looking to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs, posters will be displayed throughout Wallonia until the end of March, with the tagline "Elle, c'est vous" ("She is you"). There are two versions: posters with mirrors, where every female passer-by can see herself in the image, and others highlighting female entrepreneurs involved in various projects.
With the help of inspirational slogans, potential future entrepreneurs can boost their self-confidence and identify with the women they see. Because if others have taken the plunge, why not them too?
1890.be, a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs
Providing female entrepreneurs with the necessary information on the tools and resources available in Wallonia to help them turn their business ideas into reality is crucial. All too often, budding male and female entrepreneurs are unaware of the wide range of support structures, financial aid, training courses, support networks and other resources available in Wallonia to help them get their project off the ground.
"There are countless tools available in Wallonia. The 1890.be platform is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs in Wallonia, offering a one-stop shop for all the help and information entrepreneurs need. Whether it's subsidies, business vouchers, training, mentoring, support programmes, ... 1890.be offers (budding) entrepreneurs all the resources they need to help them realise their entrepreneurial potential'', explains Emmanuelle Gendebien, Head of External Communications at Wallonie Entreprendre.
"We are strong believers in the entrepreneurial potential of women in Wallonia. Breaking down barriers and encouraging them to take the plunge is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem'', concludes Lionel Bonjean, Director-General of SPW Economy Employment Research.