A large majority, 90 percent of Filipina women want to earn more, but gender stereotypes keep them from greater economic activities, according to a new research. Beauty brand Avon spotlighted some alarming points with the launch of its Global Progress for Women Report, which focuses on women’s lived experiences of equality and choice in the world of work and money. The research was conducted by Censuswide with (7145 women across the UK, Italy, Romania, Poland, Philippines, Turkey and South Africa) between Jan. 18, 2023 and Jan. 23, 2023. The new research also revealed that lack of flexible working opportunities (48%), earned income (46%) and the ability to start their own business (29%) are among the biggest inequalities that women believe they face, holding them back from reaching their full potential financially and at work. The Global Progress for Women Report by Avon, which reflects the views of more than 7,000 women in seven countries including the Philippines, finds that while over three quarters (77% ) of women would like to earn more money, whether that is through another income stream or in their current role, over a third (35% ) believe access to setting up your own business is in favor of men. The research further quoted the World Economic Forum, which stated that female entrepreneurship is growing around the world. Despite this, men still outnumber women three to one when it comes to business ownership. When asked on the obstacles women face when it comes to starting their own businesses, the research showed that the most common responses that emerged across all countries surveyed were finances (61%), fear of failure (44%), not knowing where to start (36%), lack of knowledge on the market (34%) and lack of confidence (33%). However, the Avon research findings from the Philippines show that Filipina women are highly affected by those barriers to entrepreneurship. Over half (52%) the women surveyed admitted to the lack of confidence being a barrier to starting a business, while a staggering 79 percent believe inadequate financial resources are a setback to becoming entrepreneurs. “These statistics are alarming, as a deeper dive into the report reveals that 90% of Filipina women want to earn more money. However, the barriers that keep them from greater economic opportunities spotlight larger Philippine social and cultural issues that need to be addressed,” Avon said of the research findings. Having the confidence and the support to be able to turn ideas, passions, and skills into a career is an important way for women to access economic opportunity. Filipina women can benefit greatly from the chance to start businesses of their own. Although Filipina women have access to more opportunities than before, they are still surrounded by stereotypes and the society’s traditional expectations that challenge them career-wise and financially. A study by The World Bank also showed that gender norms in the country largely dictate the economic and domestic roles for men and women . Traditionally, Filipino men are designated as breadwinners and household heads while women are seen as caretakers and homemakers. These beliefs are still quite widespread across the country – leaving Filipina women to deal with the social expectation to prioritize their home and family lives over the chance to pursue productive work. “The political and social dynamic of the equality conversation continues to shift, as some of the biggest and most important conversations around women’s rights, health and roles in society are debated. And the lived experiences of many women show that cultural stereotypes and lack of flexible working are still limiting women’s opportunity and choice of work,” said Angela Cretu, Chief Executive Officer of Avon. With a legacy of championing women for over 135 years and a business model which allows women greater choice and freedom to earn money, Cretu said that Avon always calls for people to challenge the barriers preventing women from equal access to work. Avon also believes that women should have the chance to realize their entrepreneurial ambitions – whatever the size of their business might be. She said that part of Avon's purpose is to create better futures for women and with this, more than 20 percent of every sale is an investment in women and goes to supporting female entrepreneurs. Expounding on their impact pledge, Cretu shared: "Driving positive change for women has been hard-wired into Avon’s business since the beginning: every time you buy a lipstick you are helping to support a female entrepreneur. Removing the barriers to economic participation that women face is crucial to helping drive progress for women. On International Women’s Day, there is no better time to shine a light on this and open up the conversation.” This International Women’s Month, Cretu said “Avon takes a deep dive into the everyday realities Filipina women face and identify the cultural, social, and individual barriers to progress for them to further recognize their possibilities for success.”