Investors question female startups about motherhood plans

Phoebe Gates shares her experience with investors asking about her family plans.

Investors ask female founders about future kids even at a Gates startup

Phoebe Gates, co-founder of the AI fashion app Phia, faces gender stereotypes while seeking investments. Despite her famous last name, she confronts similar questions that many women in business endure, particularly regarding how motherhood will affect their careers. Phoebe's mother, Melinda Gates, advised her to be tough and confront these outdated expectations. Studies highlight that 42% of women encounter biased questions during hiring. This issue reflects a broader trend of discrimination against women in the workplace, especially mothers, according to experts. The stigma surrounding the 'motherhood penalty' persists, affecting women's hiring and promotion prospects.

The ongoing bias against women in business reflects deep-rooted gender stereotypes. Despite decades of progress, women still face scrutiny over their potential family decisions before even proving their business acumen. This not only creates barriers for female entrepreneurs but also dampens the progress toward gender equity in the workplace. As the culture evolves, it is clear that these outdated norms must be challenged. The voices of women leaders are crucial in rewriting these unwelcome narratives in business and beyond.

Highlights

To foster an inclusive workplace, both employers and employees must challenge outdated norms.