Building Bridges: Networks and Support Systems for Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Women constitute around 50% of the total world’s population. Approximately 1.3 billion people around the world are living in extreme poverty, and 70% of them are women. Because of this large gender gap, developing countries are constantly working to support and improve the lives of women. Further there is significant differences between men and women in many areas, such as jobs, income, education, access to resources, leadership roles, political representation, making decisions at home, freedom to move, and the ability to stand up for their rights. In order to achieve gender equality and women's empowerment as well as equitable and sustainable economic growth and development, women must have equal access to and control over economic and financial resources. Women are vital to the growth and development of every economy. Therefore, empowering women is crucial for economic development. Employment is the key source of income that provide economic empowerment to individuals. The first step towards empowerment, regardless of gender, is to work for a living. Women's status is closely linked to their financial circumstances, which are influenced by their ability to engage in economic activities (Biswas & Banu, 2023).