ILPC 2027

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is considered one of the most vital forces for the economic development and growth of all countries. Especially in times of financial crises and social uncertainty it is expected to regenerate hope and offer vision. At the same time it can project innovative ideas, create opportunities and exploit human potential and abilities for the attainment of economic and social aims. European Union included the promotion of entrepreneurship in its main strategic planning many years ago in an effort to enhance the European economy and to promote the employability, social inclusion and equality of European citizens. This paper draws information from European Union and Greek statistical data in order to approach the issue of women entrepreneurship both in the context of relevant European guidelines and funding and in the Greek socioeconomic structure. Women entrepreneurs are expected to influence the economy significantly, because they are able to create jobs both for themselves and others. The paper describes the share and performance of entrepreneurial activities in the Greek labour market. In this way it is possible to explore the potential of entrepreneurship in terms of economic ability and job creation. Then, the paper especially focuses on women entrepreneurship. The exploration of the issue of women entrepreneurship in the Greek society not only shows the situation of women in it, but also describes the role of entrepreneurship in general in the same society. Although this group was often neglected in the past, today it is considered an important factor for the achievement of greater economic development and competitiveness and of broader social cohesion and stability. Apart from the fact that the majority of women seek for some form of dependent labour, women entrepreneurs are much less than men, they mostly engage in entrepreneurial activities in the services sector, in SMEs and at an older age than men, and often get involved in an enterprise which already exists or is ‘silently’ run by a man (usually a member of the family). Finally, the paper attempts to determine whether E.U. motivating policies and funding programs actually contributed to this purpose. This knowledge would offer important help towards the improvement of women’s social position in general and would establish better understanding of women entrepreneurship, thus securing better support for women entrepreneurship from the state and the E.U. and broadening their possibilities to engage in entrepreneurial activities.