The Mastercard Women Entrepreneurship Index (MIWE), released this Wednesday, reveals that Portugal is the 6th country in the world with more women entrepreneurs (32.2%), ahead of countries like Spain, Italy or Ireland.

The report also reveals that Portugal ranks 22nd in the global ranking that analyzes how female entrepreneurship has been progressing in 65 countries, according to a statement to which Notícias ao Minuto had access.

"Portugal moved up one position this year in the ranking of women entrepreneurs, moving to 6th place ahead of countries such as Spain, Italy, and Ireland," the statement said.

According to the study, and despite the fact that women make up about half of the world's population and 39% of global employment, "only one-fifth of exporting companies are led by women and 80% of women-owned businesses have difficulty obtaining credit."

The study analyzes gender equality in the world of business and work and how female entrepreneurship has progressed in 65 countries.