Funding And Childcare Gaps Keep Women-Led Businesses From Growing : Planet Money Women start a lot of businesses, but when it comes time for them to grow, many hit a wall, or the women founders end up losing control. Why? We bring you two indicators on women and work from our daily podcast The Indicator. Also, Amanda and Stacey go on a picnic to prove a point. | Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.

Two Indicators: Women And Work

Two Indicators: Women And Work

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(Photo by Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images) Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images hide caption

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Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images

(Photo by Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images)

Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images

Our own Stacey Vanek Smith pays close attention to heaps of economic data, especially on data around women in the workplace — so much so it became a book, Machiavelli For Women.

But some data in particular have frustrated Stacey for a long time, like the fact that women lead far fewer companies than men, and despite awareness of this fact, women still haven't gained a lot of traction in business.

Stacey found another reporter, TIME's Alana Semuels, who was grappling with this disparity by attempting to put her money where her mouth was — spending a full week purchasing products only from companies owned or led by women. Today on the show we follow Alana's journey to buy female and see what it teaches us about obstacles facing women entrepreneurs. Then we unpack one of those big obstacles spotlighted by the pandemic – when childcare responsibilities force women out of the workforce. Could we be in the middle of a national reconsideration of child care and a more flexible workplace? Some economists say yes.

Music: "Tres Dos Uno," "We Go 360" and "Sunny Side Up." Indicator theme by Drop Electric.

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