Nicola Roberts wants to see more women in business

London: `Girls Aloud` star Nicola Roberts says she wants government officials to provide loans and assistance to female entrepreneurs trying to launch their own companies.

The 26-year-old singer, who owns a make-up range, has urged British politicians to do more to help women break into the business world, The Sun online reported. "I find it hard to believe we`re in the 21st century and we`re having to encourage women into business. Surely by now we should be on an equal footing with men in all careers? I don`t see why there should be a divide. "Maybe women aren`t as confident as men about getting into business. Or maybe there`s a perception that women feel business is a male-dominated world...," she said. Roberts insists she is proud of how much she has learned about business since starting up her own make-up range. "I am passionate about the brand and I know every product inside out. I have learned a lot too, such as how to pitch my product to stores... I think that surprised some of the retailers. There have been frustrating times too, such as when logistics stump creativity," she added. PTI