Cover Does the term ‘mompreneur’ contribute to the advancement of gender equality? Front & Female asks members of the Tatler community
Does the term ‘mompreneur’ contribute to the advancement of gender equality? Front & Female asks members of the Tatler community
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With Mother’s Day around the corner, Front & Female asked members of our Tatler community to judge whether ‘mompreneur’ celebrates the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurial mothers, or if it hinders gender equality
Last month, during a conversation with Abby Cadman, managing director of events and catering company, Feste Group, the concept of “mompreneur” came up.
Mompreneur, a term coined to describe mothers who juggle the responsibilities of raising children while pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, has become a subject of scrutiny. Does it contribute to the advancement of gender equality or does it hinder it? After all, we wouldn’t call a man a “dadpreneur”, would we?
In the realm of entrepreneurship, this term has sparked passionate debates about gender roles and equality. Supporters argue that it acknowledges and celebrates the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurial mothers, fostering gender equality by recognising their achievements. However, critics say that the term may inadvertently reinforce traditional gender stereotypes and hinder progress towards true equality.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, we asked members of our Tatler community, including Joanna Lui-Hickox and Dee Dee Chan to weigh-in:
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Abby Cadman, managing director at Feste Group
Above Abby Cadman, managing director at Feste Group (Photo: courtesy of Abby Cadman)
Abby Cadman, managing director at Feste Group (Photo: courtesy of Abby Cadman)
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The term mompreneur further splits the gender gap. No one uses the term “dadpreneur” or “working dad” and it actually puts us into another category rather than levelling the playing field. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I like to let the work I do speak for itself. We have some fantastic projects we’re working on and have been expanding over the past five years to become not just the OG catering company with brands like Relish and Gingers, but a hospitality group with our own rooftop farm and HQ powered by solar energy. It feels like the team and I have come such a long way, and to put this into a category of ‘mompreneurs’ feels like it minimises our efforts and it’s not a category I want to be segregated into. It feels as though we are not good enough to just be successful business owners in our own right. I won’t be offended if I am described as a mompreneur or woman in business—but let’s just get on with building fantastic businesses and leading amazing teams to do great work.
Lena Wong, founder and executive director of Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs
Above Lena Wong, founder and executive director of Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs (Photo: courtesy of Lena Wong)
Lena Wong, founder and executive director of Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs (Photo: courtesy of Lena Wong)
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The term “mompreneur” or “momtrepreneur” acknowledges that women can be both successful business owners and dedicated mothers, breaking down the notion that women must choose between career and family. It promotes the idea that women can have fulfilling professional lives while also prioritising their roles as mothers. This can lead to greater acceptance and support for women in business, as it challenges the perception that women are solely responsible for caregiving and domestic responsibilities.
It also can inspire and empower other women who aspire to start their own businesses while raising a family. It provides a positive representation of successful women who are defying societal expectations and pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams.
As one of the leading charities in the field, Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs contributes to the advancement of gender equality by redefining traditional gender roles, promoting work-life balance and inspiring women to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Dee Dee Chan, director of Seal of Love
Above Dee Dee Chan, director of Seal of Love (Photo: courtesy of Dee Dee Chan)
Dee Dee Chan, director of Seal of Love (Photo: courtesy of Dee Dee Chan)
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The genesis of the term “mompreneur” likely came with the intention of levity and positivity, celebrating the surge of creativity that can spring forth with the life-changing event of entering into motherhood— but I do not believe that the term promotes gender equality. When I hear the word mompreneur, it makes me think of pink logos promoting clean products for babies. But that is not fair, because entrepreneurs are entrepreneurs, and research has shown that female entrepreneurs actually build higher revenue-generating businesses and promote a higher rate of job creation versus their male counterparts. Yet, the average dollar investment in female-founded companies is only half that of male-founded companies, despite the fact that American female-owned firms are growing at greater than twice the rate of all other firms in the country. It is time we start deconstructing our innate biases, starting with cancelling terminology like “mompreneurs”.
Nancy Fung, director of Signature Communications
Above Nancy Fung, director of Signature Communications (Photo: courtesy of Nancy Fung)
Nancy Fung, director of Signature Communications (Photo: courtesy of Nancy Fung)
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Some might argue that the term “mompreneur” can reinforce gender stereotypes and perpetuate the notion that women only belong in a conventional domestic environment. However, I believe that the term can serve as a source of empowerment for women by acknowledging and applauding their capacity to juggle the responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship. It emphasises the strength, the ability to multitask and the resourcefulness of mothers who successfully navigate the realms of both family and business obligations. Recognising and advocating for the accomplishments of women in this dual role can motivate mothers to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions and challenge conventional gender expectations.
Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong
Above Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong (Photo: Affa Chan/ Tatler Hong Kong)
Sarah Vee, founder of Women of Hong Kong (Photo: Affa Chan/ Tatler Hong Kong)
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I believe the term “mompreneur” has the potential to contribute to the advancement of gender equality by recognising and celebrating the entrepreneurial achievements of mothers. The term showcases that “motherhood” status doesn’t hinder professional success. By highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship, such as work-life balance and childcare responsibilities, it encourages discussions and initiatives for a more supportive environment for all working parents. However, the term alone isn’t sufficient for achieving gender equality. Concrete actions are needed to address systemic barriers, including equal opportunity policies, the mental weight we hold and child-friendly working environments. The term “mompreneur” serves as a valuable tool for acknowledging women’s abilities to excel in both professional and parental roles but we can’t do it alone. We need the support of others to thrive, and this is where YOU come in.
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Joanna Lui Hickox, executive director at Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation
Above Joanna Lui Hickox, executive director at Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation (Photo: courtesy of Joanna Lui Hickox)
Joanna Lui Hickox, executive director at Galaxy Entertainment Group Foundation (Photo: courtesy of Joanna Lui Hickox)
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Yes, but it's not a clear-cut victory. The term “mompreneur” unequivocally champions the often-underestimated power of women who adeptly juggle entrepreneurial ventures and motherhood. It shines a spotlight on the remarkable resilience and ambition of these women, and in doing so, propels the narrative of gender equality forward.
However, as is often the case, it’s not without its complications. By its very nature, the term is gender-specific, overlooking fathers who are equally involved in the delicate balancing act of parenting and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it risks inadvertently reinforcing the stereotype that a woman’s primary role is that of a mother, potentially marginalising her professional accomplishments. So, while the term “mompreneur” does contribute to the dialogue on gender equality, it also poses the risk of perpetuating new stereotypes. Thus, its overall impact is a nuanced one and deserves an in-depth conversation.
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
