Despite being one of the segments hardest hit by the health crisis, the pandemic could be a catalyst for exponential progress for women. Join us to discover some strategies on March 17.

Grow Your Business,
Not Your Inbox

Stay informed and join our daily newsletter now!


5 min read

This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors may exist due to this process.

In Mexico and around the world, women have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although only 39% of global employment is occupied by women, they accounted for 54% of the losses, reveal data from McKinsey & Company.

The World Bank (WB) lists this as the worst recession since World War II. It also warns that around the world $ 172 trillion is being lost due to differences in lifetime earnings between women and men.

In these circumstances, the need to reduce the gender disparity becomes even more acute as a path to recovery is sought and the forecasts are not entirely Alaguen. According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs 2020 (MIWE), the COVID crisis could set back a generation of women in business.

Overrepresentation in the sectors most affected by the economic recession, the pronounced gender gap in the digital sphere in an increasingly virtual world, and the growing pressures of responsibilities that correspond to childcare are just some of the factors. that have left women in a particularly vulnerable situation.

The crisis as a catalyst

87% of business owners report negative effects on the health crisis, according to the Mastercard report. However, she warns that the pandemic could be a catalyst for exponential progress for women in business.

In the face of COVID-19, businesswomen have shown marked adaptability, despite the great existing obstacles. 42% have switched to a digital business model and 34% have identified new business opportunities since the pandemic, says the report that analyzed 58 world economies.

But it is not the only area that has opportunities. They are also there to correct inherent gender biases if decision makers support and drive gender-specific initiatives. The COVID-19 era empowers women in leadership roles and has highlighted the ability of women to lead in extraordinary circumstances. An example is Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Sunna Marin of Finland, who have presided over some of the most successful efforts to contain Covid-19 and instill order, security, confidence and calm.

MIWE 2020 also highlights the gender policies that have driven women’s business success. The case of Israel stands out, which tops the list as the best country for female entrepreneurs around the world.

In the case of Latin America, Colombia ranks 14th in the global ranking (RG), standing out as the best country for women entrepreneurs in the region, with a score of 66.31. This country has noticed a high movement in female entrepreneurship driven by need and a high representation of women business leaders reflected by 57%.

Chile occupies position 27 in the ranking, followed by Argentina, at 29; Brazil, in 32; and Mexico, in position 34, which precedes Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Peru, in positions 35, 36 and 39, respectively.



Art: Entrepreneur

Woman 4.0, forming alliances and leadership with a cause

In this context, seeking to inspire and foster further progress, Mastercard has been an advocate for women in business and has proven this by offering a variety of programs to support their advancement.

Join us to discover how to face the challenges of this new normal in the Women 4.0 panel, forming alliances and leadership with a cause. The event will take place virtually on March 17 at 5:00 pm through the Entrepreneur en Español networks.

They accompany us to the discussion table:

  • Silvina Moschini , CEO of SheWorks! and TransparentBusiness.
  • Marcela Carrasco , president of the Andean Division of Mastercard Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Claudia Corona , founder of Impronta Verde and Co-Leader of the Club 30%
  • Gabriela Lucke , director of the INCAE Women’s Leadership and Collaborative Center.

We are waiting for you next Wednesday, March 17 at 5:00 pm on the Entrepreneur in Spanish networks.