In the past 10 months of the previous year, the number of female exporters of non-raw, non-energy products increased by 28%, surpassing 21,000, as reported by Veronika Nikishina, the CEO of the Russian Export Center (REC). During the same period, the overall number of exporters of non-raw, non-energy products also grew by 15%, exceeding 70,000 individuals.
Within the project “Women’s Cooperation in International Trade,” REC, in collaboration with the Bank of Russia, the Federal Tax Service, and the SME Corporation, developed a program to enhance financial literacy. In 2023, the first 45 female entrepreneurs underwent training, acquainting themselves with the intricacies of managing finances in export activities. This year, financial training for businesswomen is also planned to be conducted in the regions.
Moreover, in 2023, REC organized the first women’s business mission to Uzbekistan for companies in the textile industry. The participants of the business mission held over 100 business meetings, with their potential exceeding 1 million dollars.
For example, according to the Ministry of Economic Development, as of mid-July 2023, the number of individual entrepreneurs in Russia reached 3.9 million people, including 1.56 million women.
“Women’s entrepreneurship in Russia is one of the important drivers of economic growth. The most rapid growth in the number of businesswomen has occurred in marketplaces – over the past couple of years, their number has increased more than 20 times. Among the most popular types of businesses pursued by women are online and retail trade, as well as services for individuals. Moreover, the majority of women who start their own business are under 40 years old,” said Inga Tenisheva, an expert on entering marketplaces, to GORUS.
According to the expert, there has been positive dynamics over the past few years, which is encouraging. This indicates that Russian society is successfully overcoming socio-cultural stereotypes. The number of women executives in Russian companies is increasing, and the number of areas in which women aspire to leadership positions is growing.
The support from the state and non-profit organizations, providing women with information, training, financial assistance, and consultations for starting and developing their businesses, plays a crucial role.
“Undoubtedly, this trend is also influenced by the political situation. Many men were simultaneously pulled out of the economy, and the labor shortage did not disappear. It is necessary to occupy leadership positions and support our families, so women are not afraid to go into business. The main obstacles for women in developing their own business are roughly the same as in the business community as a whole: a lack of financial opportunities, a lack of knowledge and experience in business management, and a lack of confidence in their abilities,” noted Inga Tenisheva.
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