Women entrepreneurship: sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Global South post-COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Global economic activity is picking up as we start to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as we embark on the road to a global recovery, it is crucial to assess local economic recovery, to allow local authorities to develop adequate policies that will support economic growth. For example, for a country like South Africa, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world (statsSA) and the largest inequality gap (World Bank), the level of economic survival and recovery is crucial for everyone, including for Previously Disadvantaged Individuals (PIDs) - especially women. The pandemic has more severely affected women and women entrepreneurs, who generate 37% of the world's GDP. Moreover, they continue to encounter obstacles that prevent them from realising their full potential (World Bank, 2022). Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in the economic activities of their communities. For example, women from disadvantaged communities in Africa usually use their business profits to sustain their households and provide a better education for their children (Syden & Forget, 2012; Dolan & Scott, 2009). In turn, their children have access to better socio-economic conditions, which contributes to poverty alleviation and helps to close the inequality gap. Women entrepreneurs may be involved in various businesses and leadership positions, such as being the leaders of innovative technology businesses, owners of local businesses, or providers of health- and childcare services (Kamberidou, 2020). Women entrepreneurs are not only beneficial to their local communities; they are also a vital part of the future economic growth of countries in the Global South. This conference stream aims to provide a bird's-eye view of the need for targeted support for women entrepreneurs, who have been historically marginalised in the Global South. This is critical for economic recovery and for the sustainability of women entrepreneurship in the region.

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https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1763743