Time to unleash potential of women entrepreneurs

Shortage of start-ups led by women is national problem affecting economic growth

Pamela Jeffrey (centre), founder of the Women’s Executive Network, with some of the recent award-winners in the Ireland’s Most Powerful Women awards announced last month by the network and HSBC Ireland. “As a nation, we need to change our attitude towards women in business and take radical steps to encourage and support start-ups. We need to break down the barriers to success.” Photograph: Alan Betson