Research on women entrepreneurship has been marginalized by reliance on Western paradigms and male-gendered models of entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs in developing countries face multifaceted challenges including social norms, patriarchal structures, limited access to funding, and restricted mobility. Yet they represent a crucial source of economic growth and social development, particularly in informal sectors and circular economies that provided stability during crises.
This special issue seeks contributions examining how policy, innovation and support mechanisms can empower women entrepreneurs in developing countries and foster sustainable business models. The editors invite interdisciplinary theoretical and empirical work—including qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and action research—that provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners while advancing understanding of entrepreneurship, venture creation and problem-solving.