Entrepreneurship and Motherhood – Not a Choice, but a Right

Introduction

In a modern economy, pregnancy should never pose a threat to the survival of a business. Yet, this is the reality for thousands of female entrepreneurs. Whereas salaried employment offers security, entrepreneurs often experience a “motherhood penalty.” At Girl Power International, we believe that the foundation beneath female entrepreneurship must be strengthened.

The Current Gap

Female entrepreneurs run into walls that their male counterparts do not encounter. Current schemes (such as the ZEZ maternity benefit for the self-employed in the Netherlands) are often based on the minimum wage, which for many professionals is insufficient to continue paying fixed business expenses—such as office rent or personnel costs. The result? Women work too far into their pregnancies, return to work too soon, or watch their life’s work falter.

The Vision of Girl Power International: Our 3 Points of Improvement

We are putting this issue on the agenda of policymakers with the following concrete demands:

• Adequate Financial Compensation: The allowance must be based on the actual profit or revenue of the business, not on a standard minimum. An entrepreneur should not be punished for her success.
• Access to Replacement Capital: We advocate for a fund or subsidy that helps entrepreneurs hire temporary replacement staff, ensuring the continuity of the business is guaranteed during their leave.
• An End to the ‘Dilemma’: Motherhood must never be a reason to give up entrepreneurship. We demand a simplification of the bureaucracy surrounding leave applications and better support during the return to work after the postpartum period.

Conclusion

A thriving economy needs the innovative power of women. By removing the barriers surrounding pregnancy, we ensure that female talent is not lost. Girl Power International stands side by side with the woman who wants to see both a child and a business grow.