Thumbs up to our women entrepreneurs!

To go by the most up-to-date research, companies with female board members do better than their male counterparts. It’s the women who make 80 percent of purchase decisions in the U.S. A number, big enough to prove that the “weaker sex” is no longer “weak” these days. If statistics are anything to go by more competent women should reach business leadership positions. But unfortunately, it is only 15.7 percent of women corporate officers who have managed to made it to the top. Blame it on the blocks that have kept women from pursuing the degree such as difficulty in funding to cover the cost of the program, lack of female role models, lack of support from family, peers or employers and low confidence in math skills – all add up to small enrollment rate of women in Executive MBA programs.

What have been thought as an obstacle in the corporate world earlier is now being looked upon as the advantages. It’s the Feminine traits such as altruism, emotional engagement, and cooperation that act in a stressed economy and build relationships with customers. Business schools are going all out wooing women. Compared to traditional programs MBA prepares women for career progression more promptly, without causing them to lose ground at work. Business schools are making themselves more attractive by offering flexibility through online courses, by recruiting more female faculty, featuring more women in their advertising materials, making more scholarships available. Moreover the classes are usually run on weekends to have room for those eager to complete degrees while managing full-time work timetables.

It’s time for women empowerment. The MBA credential offers a boost not only to a women’s resume but also provides a boost to her level of confidence and credibility with colleagues, and can ensure others that she has the expertise to shoulder greater responsibility. Not to mention the heavier pay packet.