IWD: Only 10% of global funding reaches female-led startups, expert laments 

Economic expert, Ismaila Yusuf Atus, has raised concerns about the slow progress of gender equality across the world, stressing the urgent need for systemic change to close the global gender gap.

In a statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, on Saturday, Atus, who is the Managing Director of Atus West African Investment, noted the alarming disparities in pay, funding, and leadership opportunities for women.

He referenced troubling statistics, including a 20 per cent global wage gap and the fact that only 10 per cent of global funding reaches female-led startups, despite evidence that women-led businesses yield higher returns.

According to him, symbolic gestures and awareness campaigns are inadequate without measurable progress.

He called for immediate action to address persistent gender disparities, urging organisations and advocates to move beyond rhetoric and actively support women in public and private decision-making roles.

Atus emphasised that women need not just a seat at the table but the ability to own the table, set the agenda, and create opportunities for others.

Despite some progress, he noted that the gap between intention and execution in gender inclusion remains wide, with women still underrepresented in funding, leadership positions, and key decision-making spaces.

Atus urged stakeholders to invest in women-led businesses, leverage their influence to open doors, and translate advocacy into concrete actions.

He also encouraged women to stop waiting for the “perfect” time, urging them to take bold steps now, adding that that the world does not lack talented women but rather the speed and commitment to empower them.

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He said: “Women don’t just need a seat at the table; they need to own the table, set the agenda, and create opportunities for others.

“Let’s support women now—The best time to act is today. Invest in businesses funding shouldn’t be an afterthought. Use your influence to open doors—Advocacy must translate into action.

“The world does not lack talented women; but women lack speed and commitment. Let’s end the cycle of praising women for doing more with less. If you are serious about gender equity, you must move faster and be bolder. Progress towards a gender-equitable future is a necessity, not a favour.”