The Institutions and Organizations Supporting Women's Entrepreneurship in Palestine: A Gender Analysis
Chapter from the book:
Yazıt,
H.
&
Köktürk,
N.
(eds.)
2023.
Research on Social Sciences- IX.
Synopsis
In recent decades, entrepreneurship has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and development worldwide. Its ability to generate employment opportunities, reduce unemployment, and alleviate poverty has made it an essential component of modern societies. Women’s entrepreneurship in particular has been recognized as a critical contributor to economic growth and social success. However, female entrepreneurs face unique challenges in starting and growing their businesses due to various economic, social, cultural, and psychological factors. These challenges are particularly pronounced in developing countries such as Palestine.
To support women entrepreneurs in Palestine, numerous organizations and associations have been established to help overcome these challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the institutions and organizations supporting women’s entrepreneurship in Palestine from a gender equality perspective.
The study findings reveal that there are several institutions and organizations in Palestine actively supporting women's entrepreneurship with a specific emphasis on gender equality. These initiatives encompass mentorship programs, training workshops, improved access to finance, networking platforms, and efforts to advocate for policy reforms. To enhance the support provided to women entrepreneurs, recommended solutions include bolstering institutional assistance, delivering customized training and mentorship programs, ensuring equitable access to financial resources, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities, and advocating for gender-responsive policies. Implementing these solutions will help cultivate a favourable environment for women entrepreneurs, enabling their economic empowerment and driving sustainable economic growth in the region.