Women's labor and entrepreneurial activity in Georgia: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The paper argues that the basis of universal and differential well-being of the population of any country is inclusive economic growth, or universal involvement in the economy. In turn, one of the most important and crucial factors for the inclusive economic development of the country is the symmetrical development of labor and entrepreneurial activities in terms of gender. The aim of the present study is to utilize and strengthen their economic potential by promoting women's labor and entrepreneurial activity. On the way to the aim of the paper, the unfavorable situation of women in the country in terms of both employment and pay is characterized and measures are taken to improve them. The most important motives for starting and developing women's entrepreneurial activities are identified: the desire to own a business, the emergence of their own income and the proper provision of children. Factors limiting the start-up of entrepreneurial activity are identified: Insufficient access to finance, lack of business management knowledge and experience, difficulties in achieving a balance between business and family management (child care, household and family responsibilities), lack of access to business information and consulting. At the same time, based on international experience and their own visions, proposals and recommendations for their minimization-elimination have been developed. It has been shown that the restrictions imposed against the spread of the pandemic and the associated economic downturn have hurt women more than men and reopened the partially closed gaps.