Overcoming Gender Gaps in Entrepreneurship Education and Training

Nattavud Pimpa

doi:10.3389/feduc.2021.774876

Abstract

Entrepreneurship education and training are essential for female entrepreneurs who juggle family expectations, personal life, and new ventures at the same time. Indeed, generic entrepreneurship training may fail to promote understanding in gender literacy and its relationship with creating and managing business entities. To help address gender gaps, this article explores gender issues in the training process for female entrepreneurs, the researcher collected primary data from 28 trainers through personal interviews and secondary data from the 43 training evaluation forms from trainees who participated in the national entrepreneurship training programs in Thailand. The researcher identifies three themes that are related to gender gaps and effectiveness in the entrepreneurship training context. They include (1) gender mainstreaming, (2) gender-sensitive training approaches, and (3) the adoption of proper technology and innovation for female entrepreneurs. Secondary data also confirm that female entrepreneurs in this study address the need for professional development that promotes them to engage in gender competencies, technology, and innovation for new ventures. The opportunity for professional development can be limited by family and social commitments. Engaging with experienced female entrepreneurs and business role models can promote understanding in the three areas among female entrepreneurs. This article outlines a novel approach in synergizing gender issues, training, and entrepreneurship skills. It concludes with some explanations of the relative efficacy of entrepreneurship training that reduces gender gaps for female entrepreneurs.

Highlights

It is evident that entrepreneurship activities contribute to a sustainable economy and gender gap reduction (Galloway and Brown, 2002)
“mindset”—the psychological and behavioral traits typically associated with the entrepreneurial character (Binks et al, 2006; OECD, 2019). This is reflected in the contemporary entrepreneurship training programs that incorporate creative, technical, and soft skills that help female entrepreneurs remain in the equitable business system (i.e., Binks et al, 2006; Gundry et al, 2014)
Similar to the trainer’s views, female entrepreneurs in this study suggested that technology training for entrepreneurs can reduce gender gaps between male and female entrepreneurs

Summary

Introduction

It is evident that entrepreneurship activities contribute to a sustainable economy and gender gap reduction (Galloway and Brown, 2002). It is more to do with the creation of Overcoming Gender Gaps in Entrepreneurship Training “mindset”—the psychological and behavioral traits (e.g., creative thinking, problem-solving, opportunity-seeking, and risk assessment) typically associated with the entrepreneurial character (Binks et al, 2006; OECD, 2019). This is reflected in the contemporary entrepreneurship training programs that incorporate creative, technical, and soft skills that help female entrepreneurs remain in the equitable business system (i.e., Binks et al, 2006; Gundry et al, 2014)

Methods

Results

Conclusion