Female entrepreneurs in Belgium : The role of gendered support systems in addressing challenges faced by women

Details

Supervisors

Jacquemin, Amélie

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This research aims to examine the efficiency and legitimacy of gendered support systems in addressing the needs and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Belgium. Through qualitative research, the understanding of the current situation in the French- speaking side of Belgium reveals that even though gendered support systems grant a valuable support to women when starting their entrepreneurial career, they don’t represent the primary incentive for individuals to start their journeys. Many women embark on this journey with the desire for freedom and autonomy after being in the workforce for several years. This factor sheds a light on the necessity to improve the promotion of entrepreneurship in education. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of interconnectedness between the different systems, whether that be between mixed- and gendered support systems or between the public and private sector. Finally, the thesis underscores the regional differences in the promotion and availability of support systems in Belgium which marks an area of improvement for the public authorities. By addressing these findings, the research aims at providing concrete and comprehensive recommendations to improve the effectiveness of gendered support systems and promote a more inclusive and encouraging entrepreneurial ecosystem in Belgium.