THE ROLE OF WOMEN’S PUBLIC UNIONS IN SUPPORTING AND PROMOTINGWOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP: CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46763/SCGW25112g245rAbstract
This study examines the essential role of women’s public unions in advancing women’s entrepreneurship to promote economic empowerment and achieve gender equality. This study is guided by the following central research question: How do women’s public unions support and promote women’s entrepreneurship, and what structural and contextual challenges do they encounter? This study explores how these organizations act as catalysts for women’s active participation as entrepreneurs in economic life. Women’s public unions provide a range of services, including tailored training programs on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and digital skills, as well as initiatives focused on capacity building and leadership development. This paper also highlights their advocacy efforts, support for access to financial resources, and the creation of networking opportunities through mentorship and peer-learning platforms. Special attention is paid to targeted interventions for women, youth, and marginalized groups. Activities such as forums, exhibitions, and community engagement campaigns are organized to increase the visibility of women entrepreneurs and enhance their market reach, creating platforms for peer-to-peer learning and mentorship from successful entrepreneurs. Despite these positive contributions, this study identifies significant barriers that limit the potential of these unions, including financial constraints, sociocultural norms, and institutional challenges. Using qualitative case studies and policy analysis, this paper offers actionable recommendations to improve the impact and sustainability of women’s public unions. Ultimately, this research contributes to broader dialogues on gender-inclusive economic development, the role of organizations, and the dynamics of civil society in supporting women-led enterprises.
Keywords: women’s entrepreneurship; empowerment; gender equality; women’s public unions
Downloads
References
Becker, G. S. (1993). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education (3rd ed.). The University of Chicago Press.
Cardella, G. M., Hernández-Sánchez, B. R., & Sánchez-García, J. C. (2020). Women entrepreneurship: A systematic review to outline the boundaries of scientific literature. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1557. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01557
Gomółka, K. (2021). The self-employment of women in Azerbaijan. Studia Ekonomiczne, 2(2), 171–190. https://doi.org/10.33067/SE.2.2021.8
Hassan, U. (n.d.). Education for women entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions: The role of perceptions on gender equality and empowerment.
Ismail, N. N. H. M., Nasir, M. K. M., & Rahman, R. S. A. R. A. (2021). Factors that influence women to be involved in entrepreneurship: A case study in Malaysia. Creative Education, 12, 837–847. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2021.124060
Jaiswal, D. R. (2022). A study on women empowerment and entrepreneurship development. In Women empowerment in modern age (Vol. I, p. 184). [Jyotikiran Publication].
Jamali, D. (2009). Constraints and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs in developing countries: A relational perspective. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 24(4), 232–251. https://doi.org/10.1108/17542410910961532
Panda, S. (2018). Constraints faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries: Review and ranking. Gender in Management, 33(4), 315–331. https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-01-2017-0003
Prabhu, J. J. (2020). A study on women empowerment and entrepreneurial intention among small business of women entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic. Quantitative Economics and Management Studies, 1(3), 312–318. https://doi.org/10.35877/454RI.qems176
Raghunandan, V. (2018). Changing equations: Empowerment, entrepreneurship and the welfare of women. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 19(3), Article 14. https://vc.bridgew.edu/jiws/vol19/iss3/14
Shahin, M., Ilic, O., Gonsalvez, C., & Whittle, J. (2021). The impact of a STEM-based entrepreneurship program on the entrepreneurial intention of secondary school female students. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 17, 1867–1898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11365-020-00713-7
Small and Medium Business Development Agency of Azerbaijan. (n.d.). Development of women’s entrepreneurship. https://smb.gov.az/en/nav/development-of-womens-entrepreneurship
Veckalne, R., & Tambovceva, T. (2023). The importance of gender equality in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Marketing and Management of Innovations, 14(1), 158–168. https://doi.org/10.21272/mmi.2023.1-14
