Sustainable Pathways: Public Policy and Women’s Entrepreneurship
摘要
Regardless of the increasing number of women entrepreneurs and their significant contribution to the growth of sustainable economic development, they often face unique challenges that hinder their progress. Many studies have been conducted to identify the barriers women entrepreneurs face. This research paper tries to summarize the key barriers women entrepreneurs face and find their awareness regarding the importance of sustainable business practices. Also, this study tries to find the significant role of public policies in supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainability. The initial selection includes of 38 papers published from 2017 to 2024 in the areas of women's entrepreneurship, sustainability, and public policies. However, insights from only 23 highly relevant papers are included in this study. The selected papers were reviewed and categorized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the three primary research questions: (i) What are the key barriers faced by women entrepreneurs? (ii) Are women entrepreneurs in general aware of the SDG goals and importance of eco-entrepreneurship? (iii) Do public policies play a significant role in the growth and implementation of sustainability practices among women eco-entrepreneurs? The findings of this study reveal that women entrepreneurs face many barriers, including lack of confidence, limited support from family and society, cultural and social barriers, financial constraints, and limited access to education and training. Awareness of the SDGs and eco-entrepreneurship varies significantly across regions and sectors. While some women entrepreneurs exhibit high engagement in sustainable practices, others lack complete understanding and implementation of these concepts. Public policies play a crucial role in supporting women eco-entrepreneurs through financial support, training and development programs, gender-sensitive aspects, and institutional support. These policies often face challenges due to male-dominated systems and the lack of gender-sensitive approaches, which slows down their effectiveness. The study highlights the need for targeted education, tailored support systems, and coordinated policy efforts to enhance the effectiveness of public policies in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship among women.