an article I love sharing. a lot of misconceptions abound

MY NOTES FROM THE ONE YOUNG WORLD SUMMIT 2024 - DAY 3

Women founders are overtrained but underfunded.

Despite our skills and qualifications, we receive far less funding due to systemic biases and limited access to key networks.At a networking session hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Next Lab, I met two inspiring women who exemplify this reality. Safaa Ayyad, a Palestinian entrepreneur, is empowering women through remote work despite the backdrop of war, and Juliana Siapai, a media personality and entrepreneur from South Sudan, navigates a world where the internet is still a luxury. Despite these challenges, they both thrive. We discussed working together to promote digital literacy and improve the accessibility of online platforms for women.

However, bridging this gap requires not just training, but real financial backing, a shift in how women-led ventures are valued, and women supporting women. This experience reminded me that the future is about women rising above the occasion to support each other—beyond wearing pink or celebrating cultural moments like the Barbie movie.