Top 3 Challenges Caribbean Business Women and Female Entrepreneurs Face (Knowing These Can Guarantee Your Success!)

Regional and international reports have shown that women in Trinidad and Tobago, the wider Caribbean, encounter additional obstacles because of their gender

Cevel Regis
Editor -in-Chief

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​Diana is the owner of a unique Caribbean styled vegan restaurant for the past four years. When she first started out everything seemed perfect. Perfect location, customer appeal and of course great earning potential. But the ride thus far has been a bumpy one... way less than perfect. In addition to the issues that all entrepreneurs face, Diana believes that she experiences additional challenges because she is a woman. These added issues  are popular among business women around the world. 

Regional and international reports have shown that women in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider region, encounter additional obstacles because of their gender. Traditionally the Caribbean woman has always been the home maker, and had to overcome many challenges to come kitchen and into the workplace. The choice to pursue non traditional career paths was met with a lot of resistance by the predominantly male dominated workforce that was not used to seeing women in dominant positions. Despite these problems, women defy the odds and continue to venture into the grueling, but rewarding, world of business.They push through and conquer by building their own businesses or working themselves up the career ladder. Women continue to demonstrate that they  are resourceful and able to succeed. However, they are still faced with many challenges as they embark on their journey. After doing some research, here are the top 3 challenges identified by female entrepreneurs and career women.​

1. Gender Discrimination
   One of the biggest challenges women face is gender discrimination. Women are forced to work their way up in a world where laws, cultures, religion and politics are built upon a patriarchal foundation. They face discrimination at different levels in their career and business. Women are often victims of pay disparities, lack of respect from their male counterparts and lack of advancement due to the perception of ‘not tough enough’ to manage  high-stakes career positions that are challenging.
2. Balancing Responsibilities 
   Many women are not just entrepreneurs and careers women, but they  are also tasked with other responsibilities such as motherhood and family life.  Some find it difficult to strike a balance between their roles and struggle daily in their efforts. These work-life demands sometimes force women to abandon one for the next as many lack social support and are made to carry the burden themselves.
3. Building a Sisterhood
   One of the biggest challenges faced by career women and  female entrepreneurs is the ability to garner support from other women. There is often a lot of tension and conflict among women in the workplace and this could never be good. In order for all women to be successful, there is need for them to support and empower each other. Being part of a community of women with like minded goals and ambitions is key to building a stronger business and career climate for women. 

How Can You Overcome These Challenges?
Have no fear, many women have moved past these barriers and continue persevere in their business and career. As it relates to gender discrimination, we have seen that many women have educated themselves and worked their way up the corporate ladder, and from their positions of power, they have brought the topic of gender discrimination to the forefront. We have seen many gender policies implemented in the workplace as a result of the efforts of these women. It is now up to other female entrepreneurs and career women to continue to highlight and confront gender discrimination where ever it is found in the workplace.

When it comes to balancing responsibilities it is important to note that that women cannot do it alone. Having the support of your partner/spouse as well as family members can significantly reduce the burden in the household. Time management and being more organized in the workplace is very important as well. The objective here is to be able to complete your tasks in the workplace in an efficient manner so that you would have time to enjoy your family life.  

Another strategy that would help women succeed is getting involved in a strong support network. Women's groups inside and outside of the workplace offer opportunities for female entrepreneurs and career women to share ideas, network and get the moral and emotional support they need. 

Siksè Women has recently launched our Siksè Women Support Pool, geared towards women entrepreneurs, influencers and business women. This elite pool offers business support and empowerment for  women through a  subscription based package that is designed to market andpromote your business, project or events. Click here to learn more.