Female entrepreneurs face structural barriers in France and Mayotte

Women represent a significant portion of new business owners in French territories, yet they face distinct structural challenges. In Mayotte, women account for more than 50% of all new companies created. To address ongoing obstacles such as limited access to financing, mental load, and maternity considerations, the Regional Action Plan for Female Entrepreneurship (PAREF) has been launched for 2026-2028 with a budget of 390,000 euros.

In mainland France, data from the 2025 French Entrepreneurial Index by Bpifrance indicates that while the gap between entrepreneurial intention and action is closing among young women, participation drops significantly after age 30 due to family constraints and financial pressures. Additionally, female entrepreneurs remain concentrated in sectors like health, social action, and personal services, with a marginal presence in high-capitalization sectors such as technology and industry. This sectoral concentration is often driven by existing financing networks and mentorship models rather than personal choice alone.