Lack of courage or means often deters the European woman from

Host:
The room was quiet, the soft light of the lamp casting a warm glow across the space. Jack sat with his legs crossed, a book in his hands, but his mind seemed far away. Jeeny, sitting across from him, had just finished her tea and was absentmindedly tracing the rim of her cup, her gaze lost in thought. There was a sense of contemplation between them, as though both were reflecting on something important.

Jeeny:
(She looks up, her voice reflective, almost as if inviting him to dive deeper into a topic.)
“I came across a quote by Ellen Key today. She said, ‘Lack of courage or means often deters the European woman from more independent business activity, and this in spite of increasing freedom to choose her occupation, in spite of brilliant examples of successful undertakings of women, in photography, hotel or boarding-house management, dress-making, etc.’ It made me think about the barriers women still face when it comes to pursuing independent business ventures. Do you think that despite the growing freedom and examples of successful women, the challenges are still very real?”

Jack:
(He looks up from his book, his expression thoughtful, clearly processing her question.)
“I think the quote highlights a really important issue — it’s not just about having the freedom to choose an occupation, it’s about having the confidence and resources to pursue those opportunities. Even today, women face significant challenges in business. Whether it’s societal expectations, access to funding, or even a lack of role models in certain industries, those obstacles can create a barrier to entry. While there’s more freedom now, the courage to step into that freedom isn’t always there for everyone.”

Jeeny:
(She nods, her voice gentle, almost coaxing him to explore the idea further.)
“Exactly. It’s not just about choosing a career; it’s about having the support and the belief that you can succeed. I think Ellen Key was pointing out that even though there are successful women in many industries, the fear of failure, or the lack of confidence to take risks, often keeps women from pursuing these paths. It’s not just about external barriers, like laws or regulations, but internal barriers — like societal expectations or self-doubt.”

Jack:
(He sits back, his voice reflective, almost as if he’s considering the broader implications of the quote.)
“Right, and it’s interesting because we see successful women in so many fields today, but that success doesn’t always translate to more opportunities for others. It takes courage to step into an industry where you might feel like an outsider, where the rules aren’t written for you. It’s about fighting against a history of underrepresentation, and even when there are brilliant examples, they don’t always make it easier for others to follow.”

Jeeny:
(She smiles softly, her voice reassuring, almost offering a different perspective.)
“That’s true, but I also think it’s important to recognize how far we’ve come. More women are now seeing these successful role models, and there’s strength in that. Even if the path is still challenging, the fact that women are building successful careers in fields like photography or hotel management is proof that change is happening. The courage is still there — it’s just being built over time. The more women see themselves in these roles, the more empowered they’ll feel to take on the challenges.”

Jack:
(Smiling slightly, his voice softer, almost as if he’s acknowledging the progress being made.)
“I think you’re right. The courage is definitely growing. And even though there are still barriers, the visibility of successful women in business creates momentum for the next generation. The more we talk about these barriers, the more we encourage women to believe in themselves and in their ability to succeed. It’s like a ripple effect — each woman who takes a step forward makes it a little easier for someone else to follow.”

Jeeny:
(She nods, her voice calm, but filled with quiet strength.)
“Exactly. It’s about creating a path that’s not only accessible but one where women feel supported and empowered. The more we share these stories, the more we acknowledge the challenges, the more we can help each other. The journey is still difficult, but with courage and support, the opportunities are there for the taking.”

Host:
The room falls into a thoughtful silence as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the deeper meaning of Ellen Key’s quote. They both acknowledge the complexity of the issue — that while progress has been made, the barriers women face in business today are both external and internal. But the conversation also highlights the strength and resilience of women who have forged successful paths, and the hope that the courage to pursue their dreams will only grow stronger with time. The world outside continues, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that the fight for equality in business and beyond continues — and the courage to pursue these dreams is what will carry it forward.