It is no surprise that there has been a continuous gender pay gap between men and women, and although the gap seems to be closing, there are still many issues that need to be addressed. Research has continually shown that “women receive approximately 80 cents for every dollar earned by men in comparative roles” (Ashiru). It is proven to be more difficult for women to advance to higher positions and they often face difficulties when it comes to being acknowledged for their leadership (Uzialko). Because of the stereotypes that have been set regarding household chores, working women face even more challenges as they attempt to create realistic schedules to meet their work and home needs. These challenges hinder the success of women across industries, making it essential that these obstacles are overcome and changes are made.

 Gender inequality, specifically in the business world, is something that is constantly overlooked yet remains a significant problem. According to Harvard Business School, “[i]n the United States, the difference between men’s and women’s earnings has narrowed only slightly, with women earning 85% of what men took home in 2024, compared to 81% in 1983”. Even after many years of objection and advocacy, the gender pay gap has only closed 4% over 41 years. There has been so much talk and so much protest, yet little to no action has even been taken! Specifically for entrepreneurs, raising capital is “more difficult for women-owned businesses” and a study found “that less than 3 percent of companies with venture capital  funding had female CEOs” (Uzialko). When seeking financial support to start their businesses, women often face significant barriers and challenges, limiting their ability to grow and succeed. 

All women, but specifically those with time-consuming jobs (such as businesswomen) are often overwhelmed with the household requirements that fall onto them. According to data from Mastercard’s Striving to Thrive Report, three in ten female entrepreneurs struggle to maintain work life balance. With most businesswomen working hard for most of the day, coming home and having to complete household chores, meal prep, and even childcare can be exhausting. Some individuals become too burnt out or simply aren’t able to work around their challenges and schedules, causing their work performance to worsen. Because of the difficulties that countless women face with balancing their business life and personal life, many are forced to “make challenging career decisions, potentially restricting their advancement opportunities or causing them to choose part-time positions” (Ashiru). There are so many issues that arise from the impossible schedules that many women are faced with daily, but there are things that can be worked around.

There are so many injustices that women have to face simply because they are women, but there are ways to prevent or at least minimize these. An example of this is for companies to “provide flexible scheduling or remote work alternatives for women” that are “attempting to balance career goals with family expectations” (Ashiru). This is just a portion of the struggles that women in the business world face and that is why action needs to be taken. A difference can always be made through action, one step at a time.