The Integrated Education System of Chile, INACAP, developed a Conference to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2015. The activity was organized by the INACAP Entrepreneurship Network and Mujeres del Pacífico (Women of the Pacific), an association that gathers business women from Colombia, México, Peru and Chile.

The conference addressed the role of women who have the courage to start their own projects, contributing with innovation in every productive sector of the country. In addition, the well-known success cases of businesses and entrepreneur projects leaded by women were mentioned and celebrated.

Nevertheless there were speakers who criticized the low participation rate of women in the labour market of Chile, particularly when compared to other countries within the region. A message was sent stating there is a need of a change of mind for women to start being educated to become successful business people.

In Chile there are -20% women participating in the labour market in comparison with a developed country. The paradox is that Chile is one of the countries in the world with the best conditions to become an entrepreneur. Therefore, the cause of innovation and entrepreneurship must become a common cause, embraced by both women and men.

The conference concluded with a panel of 8 entrepreneur women. During the dialogue it was highlighted the power of women to undertake start-ups and the importance of having strong support networks. Furthermore, social entrepreneurship as the focus of the business of the future was highlighted and there was a call “to dream big and believe in your ideas”.