50% of women who took part in a new survey said they had turned down a career or business opportunity due to childcare family responsibilities.
Among the other findings, 69% of respondents believe women in business are not taken as seriously as men.
The conclusions are contained in research released by Network Ireland, to coincide with its national conference in Killarney in Co Kerry.
Network Ireland is a networking organisation representing over 1,300 businesswomen across the country.
It has membership from across a variety of sectors, from wellness and beauty to agriculture, tech and professional coaching.
Ahead of the conference, Network Ireland carried out an online survey among their members about the barriers facing women in business in Ireland.
70% of the respondents said they believe there is insufficient access to funding opportunities for women in business in Ireland.
