Women in business: superwomen?

This article, inspired by a webinar [in French only], hosted by psychologist and speaker Pierrette Desrosiers, explores the opportunities and challenges that women in business can face. It is part of a series of modules focused on managing the human aspects of the family farm business. This text was adapted, with permission, from an article in Coopérateur magazine.

Between superwoman syndrome and the mental load, women are often faced with challenges that overwhelm and exhaust them. Psychologist and speaker Pierrette Desrosiers offers a few key insights to help understand their realities and offer solutions.

Multiple realities

Every woman’s reality is different, so there is no ultimate prototype of THE woman in business and agriculture. As a person living on the farm, your time is invested differently: ownership may be primary or partial. Available resources are not always equal when it comes to money or physical and mental health.

For example, you may have moderate energy potential or be able to lift 12 mountains at once while managing a family of three children. Labour availability also varies from company to company, as does the pool of skills and knowledge available on the farm.

Women’s realities also differ from those of men. Gender discrimination persists, whether it is with suppliers, customers or even employees. Access to financing is more difficult for women. Networking and mentorship opportunities are also more limited.

Read More