They also have much less work experience, given their overall low level of labour force participation, affording them fewer opportunities to acquire skills, identify potential business opportunities and set aside savings. Women’s limited work experience before starting a business is likely to drive a higher attrition rate, since business experience is critical for success (OECD/IDRC, 2013). Across countries with available data (Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia), women have a higher fear of failure, believe less in their own capabilities, are less connected to other entrepreneurs and are less optimistic about potential business opportunities (Figure 1.9). In the MENA region, the share of entrepreneurial activity resulting from “necessity” rather than “opportunity” tends to be high and has been increasing over the past years (GEM, 2013).9 In Egypt, for instance, the share of men and women entrepreneurs driven by necessity rose from 20% in 2008 to 75% in 2010.