Intl. Conference on Economics, Finance & Business, Paris

ENTREPRENEURSHIP: PARTICIPATION OF ECUADORIAN WOMEN.

GEOVANNA LISBETH GARCÍA ROLDÁN

Abstract:

According to the International Labor Organization (OIT), in Latin America and the Caribbean the labor participation rate of women is lower compared to that of men: 64.5% versus 94.1%, respectively. Hence, entrepreneurship initiatives are a way to achieve labor inclusivity for women and contribute to the improvement of their quality of life and the home of origin; However, it is necessary to achieve the characterization of this group in order to have a better understanding of its tensions and needs. To meet this need, a qualitative approach was proposed, applying descriptive and analytical methods that explain the situation of women's entrepreneurship in Ecuador, particularly in the youth age segment, which usually endures unemployment levels close to 50.4%. Data collected from the National Registry of Entrepreneurs indicate that there are 6378 registered businesses, of which 3583 entrepreneurships have a woman as their legal representative, that is, more than 50%. Not all entrepreneurships are sustained over time, registering a business exit at 9.3%, but it still has the highest rate of early entrepreneurial activity (TEA) in the region at 36.2%. These findings reveal that it is essential to foster the skills of women entrepreneurs so that they can aim towards the sustainability and permanence of their entrepreneurships.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, women, Ecuador, unemployment