Every day women are starting new businesses. Whether small, medium-sized or large scale, motivated by pure survival or for self-fulfillment, female entrepreneurs are realizing ideas, generating income and creating employment opportunities for themselves and others. In fact, female entrepreneurs in developing countries are currently hailed as the new rising stars of the economies and different stakeholders have commended them as an important source of economic growth and development.
Despite the growing number of female-led business and a significant increase of initiatives, policies and resources designed to create enabling environments for women entrepreneurs, women still own and manage fewer businesses than men. In this course we will explore the question: why does the gender gap in entrepreneurship persist?
The course consists of the following three parts:
1. The gender-bias of the macro- and socio-economic contextUsing the concept of intersectionality, we will explore the economic, political, cultural and social contexts that impacts on women and entrepreneurship. How are women and men differently affected by economic (reform) policies and frameworks? What cultural norms, social hierarchies and political environments delineate the entrepreneurial spirit of women entrepreneurs?
2. The factors, conditions and circumstances that influence choices and behaviors of female entrepreneurs and their venturesBy studying empirical evidence and research results, we will explore the environmental variables and perceptions that influence and motivate the behavior and choices of female entrepreneurs and their ventures. For example: what is the influence of age, ethnicity, education, family status, social and financial capital? What is the significance of opportunity recognition and fear of failure, child-rearing and marital status? How do female led-ventures perform, grow and manage the markets they operate in?
3. Practices and policies for women entrepreneurship promotion By discussing practical examples and real-life experiences, we will explore the instruments that can be applied for women entrepreneurship promotion. Who (and why) are promoting women entrepreneurship and what methodologies do they use? What can we learn from their failures and successes? Do they turn small-scale women's businesses into successful ventures with greater sales and employment opportunities, and if so, how?
Assignment
During the course you will be challenged to step into the shoes of a policy maker or program manager and write a concept note for a (to be developed) policy or initiative that successfully promotes women entrepreneurship in developing countries. The concept note should be no longer then 3-5 pages and include a policy goal, problem analyses and your factors for success, sustainability and feasibility.
Methodology
The course emphasizes on exploring, discussing and challenging existing concepts, notions, research results and policy practices. You will study a series of articles with a set of study- and discussion questions at hand. Presentations, group discussions, debates and other ways to share and sharpen your insights and understanding will be used. Besides approaching women and entrepreneurship from a theoretical perspective, we will explore its practice and invite practitioners, entrepreneurship promoters and female entrepreneurs to share and debate their experiences with you.All classes are interactive and you are continuously invited (and expected) to actively participate during plenary sessions, working groups, presentations, work visits and (writing) assignments.
Period
23-07-2012 - 03-08-2012 (2 weeks)
Target group
Bachelor and master students all disciplines.
Course aim
In this course you will reflect on the broader macro- and socio economic context that impacts on development, women and entrepreneurship. Also, you will learn about the different factors, actors, circumstances and conditions that influence the behavior, choices and environments of women entrepreneurs. Lastly, you will explore and discuss the effect of the policies and practices that are applied to promote women entrepreneurship in developing countries.
Credits
4.0 ECTS credits
Course fee
EUR 600: Course + course materials
EUR 700: Course + course materials + social programme
Course leader
Ms. Saskia Vossenberg, MA, PhD candidate at Maastricht School of Management
Scholarships
Not available.
Maastricht University + Maastricht School of Management Student Service Centre
Address: Bonnefantenstraat 2 P.O. Box 616
Postal code: 6211 KL Maastricht
City: Maastricht
Country: Netherlands
Website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/summerschool
E-mail: summerschool@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Phone: +31433885295
Women and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries
