Why study women entrepreneurs worldwide? It sheds light on wealth creation, employment choices, human capital, labor market dynamics, family dynamics, employment, business creation and world peace says Maria Minniti, holder of the Bobby B. Lyle Chair in Entrepreneurship at SMU’s Cox School of Business. She takes stock of what has been learned so far about female entrepreneurship, and what more needs to be done.
The study of women entrepreneurs reveals new trends. Over the period 1975-1995, female self-employment grew by 60% compared to only a 20% increase for men. Recent data from the Center for Women’s Business Research showed that, between 1997 and 2002, women in the United States have formed new businesses at twice the national rate. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) project, a program of study about entrepreneurs world-wide, has shown a significant amount of female startup activity around the globe.
Read more about Professor Minniti’s comprehensive paper here.
Posted by: Laurel Delaney
I work with a civil socieyt organisation called -Centre for Social Equity and Inclusion (CSEI), based in New Delhi, India. Ifind the article very interesting. i have recently undertaken a study of Dalit women (women who are excluded on the basis of their low caste status) entrepreneurs. many of the issues you have discussed are very true for them, in addition to which they have limitations owing to untouchability practices and barriers in entering into certain types of enterprises like food production. the study is currently being finalised and it has been an interesting journey to meet with these women. we also want to take up further policy work.