Women-led Green Entrepreneurial Ventures in Ethiopia: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities from an Ecofeminist Viewpoint
2024 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
In the face of escalating climate change impacts, developing countries urgently seek innovative solutions that can address environmental and developmental challenges. Green entrepreneurship has emerged, in Ethiopia as well as in other countries, as a focal point of interest for their multidisciplinary contributions, allowing countries to grow economically while shaping novel solutions for the climate crisis. Despite growing recognition of the importance of women-led entrepreneurial ventures in promoting sustainability and social good practices, research has only recently begun to explore this and raise important questions about it. While women in Ethiopia have a fundamental role in advancing economic development and environmental protection, there is a notable gap in literature addressing women’s experiences leading green entrepreneurial ventures, the challenges they face, and what opportunities are there for them. This limits greatly those pursuits seeking to support women in their work, obstructing the full potential of their contribution. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to conduct a preliminary exploration of the difficulties and positive impacts associated with women-led green entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. By offering initial insights, this research aims to inform both future studies and practical approaches so that these green ventures can benefit not only these women but also their communities and the environment. Employing a quantitative inquiry undertaken from an ecofeminist framework, the knowledge and perspectives of female entrepreneurs in Ethiopia are explored. The results show that Ethiopian women face significant barriers to green entrepreneurship due to discrimination and a challenging entrepreneurial environment. Gender inequalities prevent many from participating or add burdens to those who do. This limits the potential benefits of green entrepreneurship for Ethiopian society and the environment. Changing societal attitudes and recognising female entrepreneurship as distinct from male-dominated norms is crucial. Green entrepreneurship can lead to financial and personal emancipation, job creation, and environmental benefits. However, further research is needed focused on understanding motivations, and goals, and improving support mechanisms, especially for marginalised groups.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024. , p. 50
Keywords [en]
entrepreneurship, sustainability, ecofeminism, development, gender, Ethiopia
National Category
Social Sciences Interdisciplinary
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:sh:diva-55156OAI: oai:DiVA.org:sh-55156DiVA, id: diva2:1909845
External cooperation
Reach for Change
Subject / course
Environment and development
Supervisors