Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship: Removing a Key Barrier to Economic Empowerment

For many newcomer women, balancing parenthood and entrepreneurship is a major challenge. In France, 70% of women entrepreneurs believe it is harder for women than men to find this balance.

That’s why SINGA develops practical solutions to break down these barriers and support women who want to launch a business, all while taking their reality into account:

• In Lille, a childcare provider is present during incubator training sessions, enabling mothers to focus on their projects, even with young children.
• In Lyon, the Le Faitout coworking space offers play areas for children, making activities accessible to parents.
• In Nantes and Paris, training programs welcome parents with dedicated childcare options.
• In Switzerland, 80% of the entrepreneurs supported are parents. Special workshops allow children to attend, creating family-friendly environments.

By easing the childcare burden—which still too often falls on women—SINGA gives newcomer women the chance to fully focus on developing their projects with confidence and ambition.

Creating Spaces for Peer Support and Open Dialogue Among Women

Because certain issues require safe spaces where women can speak freely, SINGA organizes women-only activities in several cities, bringing together local women and newcomer women.

• In Lyon, Lille and Bruxelles, women-only events, sharing circles, and inspiring workshops offer opportunities to connect in a supportive setting where everyone can share experiences, doubts, and successes.
• In Bruxelles, cooking workshops in partnership with Kom’à la maison foster connections through food, while oriental dance classes with Dalia provide a space for self-expression where women can reconnect with themselves—no pressure, no registration required.

“Thanks to SINGA, I found a true community— a space where we share and build strong bonds. I met a Ukrainian woman who arrived alone with her children. Thanks to these activities, she broke out of isolation, improved her French, and even discovered a passion for ping-pong!” — Volunteer at SINGA Brussels’ cooking workshops

Focus On… MONINGA: An Empowerment Space in Lyon

The MONINGA project offers newcomer women a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, connect, and build a strong support network through:

• Language workshops
• Discussion groups led by mediators and psychologists
• Cultural outings and social events throughout the year

Key figures:

• 2 workshops or outings per month
• Special events to strengthen community bonds

Amplifying Their Voices Through Art, Performance, and Media

Femmes en Scène: Art for Inclusion in Lyon

Through Femmes en Scène, SINGA Lyon invites around thirty newcomer and local women each year to co-create a theatrical performance—a powerful space for self-expression and intercultural exchange. In 2024, the theme of love guided a season blending theatrical exploration with cultural discovery, culminating in a final performance in June attended by 250 people.

INSPIRE by SINGA: Sharing Life Stories on Stage

In Lille, Lyon and Paris, showcases performances where newcomer women share their personal stories on stage. These performances, developed over several months, are powerful testimonies that challenge stereotypes and inspire audiences with authentic, personal narratives.

Shining a Spotlight on Women Entrepreneurs

• In Switzerland, the SINGA Stories program highlights inspiring journeys of women entrepreneurs each year.
• In Berlin, the Newcomer Startup Award honors women founders, like Bella Davis-Riemer, 2024 award winner. “Building an AI startup as a woman comes with its challenges, but the support I received from SINGA Berlin gave me the confidence to push forward. This diversity of perspectives is a real driver for innovation.” — Bella Davis-Riemer, 2024 Newcomer Startup Award Winner

Improving Access to Funding and Professional Networks

Economic inclusion also means better access to funding and professional networks. SINGA is expanding initiatives to connect newcomer women with economic opportunities:

• Training sessions on fundraising and project management
• Networking events to meet investors and partners
• Tailored coaching and peer-to-peer support spaces for women entrepreneurs
• In Switzerland, SINGA partners with Genuine, a network dedicated to women entrepreneurs.
• In Stuttgart, online workshops inform mothers about their rights and available opportunities.
• In Montréal, the Engagées vers l’inclusion program offers:
  > Workshops and conferences
  > Childcare services, and yoga classes
  > Attendance stipends and transportation reimbursements

Join the Movement!