While personal choices play an important role, women may face certain barriers to pursuing research careers, such as the existence of gender stereotypes, insufficient measures to facilitate the work-life balance, inadequate facilities for childcare, and non-transparent nomination and appointment procedures. Between 2009 and 2013, women in the European Union were half as likely as men to be new business owners (1.8% vs. 3.5%) (OECD/EU, 2016). Evidence also shows that more women than men decide to become entrepreneurs out of necessity (e.g. due to difficulties in entering the labour market otherwise).