Business View Oceania | December 2019

5 6 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA DECEMBER 2019 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA DECEMBER 2019 OPENING L INES Top 10 markets: Women business owners as a percentage of all business owners: 1. Uganda – 38.2% 2. Ghana – 37.9% 3. Botswana – 36.0% 4. United States – 35.1 % 5. New Zealand – 31.8% 6. Russia – 31.2% 7. Malawi – 31.1% 8. Australia – 30.9% 9. Angola -30.3% 10. Portugal – 30.2% “Women-owned and led businesses are strong catalysts for economic growth, improving the lives of everyone. With this study, we are shining a light on those under-represented because even today, inequality and exclusion still hold women back. At Mastercard, we believe good ideas come from everywhere. Now is the time for governments and organizations to power together to support women to advance their businesses by eradicating gender- bias and ensuring greater access to education and financial inclusion,” said Ann Cairns, Executive Vice Chairman, Mastercard. The findings also showcased women’s ability to thrive as business owners and pursue opportunities even where cultural and social conditions are not optimal. These are demonstrated in certain markets where women’s business ownership rates and Improvement-Driven Opportunity entrepreneurial tendencies are both high in spite of the lack of cultural acceptance/ social encouragement. According to the World Bank, 45% of economies around the globe have laws constraining women’s decision to join and remain in the labor force. 1 In addition to shining a light on the progress of women entrepreneurs on a global scale, Mastercard is committed to designing a better world for women that creates limitless possibilities for us all. In the U.S. Mastercard is cultivating entrepreneurs through programs like Start Path and empowering small business owners in partnership with Create & Cultivate. In Africa and South East Asia, Mastercard is fueling women- led businesses with access to micro-credit and new digital marketplaces through platforms like Jaza Duka and the Mastercard Farmer Network. Furthermore, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth is providing philanthropic support to enable financial literacy training and access to vital tools and services for women entrepreneurs in underserved markets. 1 https://wbl.worldbank.org/en/data/exploretopics/ starting-a-job