Education and Entrepreneurship for Women’s Empowerment

Women and girls represent 50.42% of the global population, yet their contributions are often underestimated. Did you know that women invented WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth? Or that companies with more women in leadership positions enjoy higher financial returns? Empowering women is therefore an urgent priority. When women are empowered, they become changemakers who contribute to a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world.

Without women’s empowerment, gender equality—the 5th Sustainable Development Goal—cannot be achieved. Imagine a society where women and girls can exercise their rights, influence social change, and drive economic growth. At BEBS, we focus on three pillars to foster women’s empowerment: education, leadership & political participation, and entrepreneurship.

Education as a Tool for Women’s Empowerment

Education is fundamental to empowering women. Activists like Malala Yousafzai have shown the transformative power of access to education. Women with higher education enjoy:

• Better employment opportunities
• Increased political participation
• Improved health outcomes
• Greater potential to break the glass ceiling

Studies by the OECD highlight that women with low levels of education earn less than both highly-educated women and less-educated men. To reduce the gender pay gap, it’s essential to open paths for women in high-paying industries such as STEM and business innovation.

Leadership & Political Participation

Education enables women to take leadership roles in politics and society. Seeing women in power demonstrates effective leadership styles and inspires others. Notable examples include:

• Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand) – empathetic leadership
• Angela Merkel (Germany) – strategic decision-making
• Dilma Rousseff (Brazil) – pioneering female governance

Despite improvements, progress is slow. According to UN Women, only 26 women serve as heads of state or government worldwide, and gender parity in top political roles may take another 130 years.

Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment

Women’s entrepreneurship is central to achieving financial independence and gender equality. Key statistics:

• Over 163 million women globally have started businesses since 2014
• Female entrepreneurs pursue passion (48%), independence (43%), and flexibility (41%)
• Businesses led by women contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth

At BEBS, our students, like Yara Lopes, founder of Pakito Angola, demonstrate the impact of women-led entrepreneurship. Their ventures drive sustainability, social impact, and empower other women in the community.

Removing Barriers to Women’s Empowerment

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected women’s education and employment. UNESCO estimates 11 million girls may not return to school, and McKinsey & Company reports that one in four women in senior roles consider reducing work hours or leaving the workforce.

Companies can support women by:

• Offering work-life flexibility
• Encouraging career development and education
• Promoting female leadership programs

At BEBS, we provide practical education, leadership training, and entrepreneurial guidance to help women reach top positions and become changemakers.