The New Face of Entrepreneurship: Women Leading the Change

The new generation of entrepreneurship is no longer solely profit-driven; it is shaped by meaning, value, sustainability, and social impact. One of the most remarkable actors in this transformation is women entrepreneurs. They believe that production is not just an economic activity but a journey that contributes to society, and they prove this every day.

As of 2024, the percentage of women entrepreneurs in Turkey has reached 18.2%. While this figure shows an increase compared to previous years, it still remains below its potential. Nevertheless, the presence of women entrepreneurs is felt not only in numbers but also through their transformative power. As they establish their businesses, they create employment, benefit society, and integrate the priorities of the new generation—such as digitization, social impact, and environmental awareness—into their business models.

Women entrepreneurs are no longer confined to large cities. From various corners of Anatolia, they are creating a broad impact, ranging from micro-scale businesses to global brands. From jam production to software exports, textiles to sustainable architecture, the range of sectors with women’s touch is expanding rapidly.

By 2024, the female labor force participation rate has reached 36.8%, and the employment rate is 32.5%. The goal set by Turkey’s 12th Development Plan is to increase these rates to 40.1% and 36.2%, respectively, by 2028. Women entrepreneurship can be one of the most powerful drivers of these targets.

In 2024, female entrepreneurs used approximately 208 billion TL in credit. This is a significant indicator of the growing interest from both the government and the private sector in women-focused financing models. However, a large portion of these loans still concentrates on micro-scale businesses. Strengthening women-focused funds in venture capital and angel investment networks will support the growth of high-potential business ideas.

Supporting women entrepreneurship not only impacts economic indicators but also directly affects societal welfare. In Turkey, by 2024, the female labor force participation rate is 36.8%, and the employment rate is 32.5%. Women entrepreneurship has reached 18.2%. Bringing these figures closer to the OECD average could contribute nearly 200 billion USD to Turkey’s economy by 2028.

The economic empowerment of women also plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of violence. According to data released in the first half of 2024, 234 women were murdered, and 182 women died under suspicious circumstances. The majority of female victims of violence lack economic independence.

This reality shows that we must view women entrepreneurship not only as an economic solution but also as a life-saving one.

Forecasts:

• The percentage of women entrepreneurs could exceed 25% by 2028.
• Entrepreneurship support programs will promote local development and increase female employment.
• As women gain more power, a reduction in domestic violence rates can be achieved.
• Women as role models will guide young girls’ career paths, accelerating societal transformation.

Today’s women entrepreneurs prioritize not only commercial success but also societal contribution. Environmental awareness, local production, female employment, and social responsibility are now the foundation of many women’s enterprises. This turns entrepreneurship into not just a profession, but a form of value creation.

As women entrepreneurship rises, a fairer, more sustainable, and innovative economy will become possible. The new face of entrepreneurship, led by women, is strong, resilient, and transformative. This face is shaping not only today but also the future.