WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP for SUSTAINABILITY- SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and PROFESSIONAL EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

In every society, women make up at least half of the population. Thus, they hold significant potential to contribute socially and economically. Furthermore, in almost all cultures—but even more so in the Middle East—women act as the homemaker, taking care of the family, children, and even their immediate larger relative and friend circles in addition to many other roles they take. Since women have more chances to be educated and gain access to wealth compared to previous decades, women’s roles in the economy, society, and policymaking are more critical and needed than before. Women are to be involved proactively in economic diversification to help the economy transition from resource-based to innovation-driven knowledge-based economy by becoming entrepreneurs, creating and leading private enterprises. Women also hold a prominent role and potential in supporting social integrity and conserving heritage and the family in a dynamically changing world. In essence, when women become entrepreneurs, they create social and economic value for themselves and their local societies. They develop income sources, involve close relations who can profit from the business, and create jobs and sustainability for the broader community. Women entrepreneurs who are innovative can find new solutions for the society and market, and venture into the national marketplace and contribute to their competitiveness in the global market. They can also create diversity in various sectors, helping society and the economy become sustainable. Qatar and its female citizens are no different from others in their struggle to strike a delicate balance between their potential, capacity, and role in the family and significant social and economic contributions to achieve sustainable development in all dimensions. As a small country in both size and population on the Arabian Peninsula’s eastern shores, Qatar has enjoyed rapid economic growth and even faster social change over the past few decades due to its abundant natural gas reserves and revenues. Currently, Qatar’s economy relies heavily on natural gas exports. Therefore, any drop in sales or the value of natural gas directly affects the economy and society adversely. Qatar has recognized vulnerabilities in its economy, society, and development, and has been trying to diversify away from its heavy reliance on natural resources. Small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and private enterprises have been identified as valid and relevant mechanisms for diversification and economic development. However, this field is still not fully developed in Qatar, and its influence on the economy is minimal. Many entrepreneurship programs aim to help individuals start businesses or help business owners expand and diversify. Still, thus far, there is limited visibility and proof of these programs’ effects. On the other hand, many educated Qatari women with high potentials for economic and social contributions exist with little or invisible contributions, most likely due to a lack of proper avenues to flourish and grow. This research is conducted to understand and evaluate the current status and potential of Qatari women for entrepreneurship, private enterprise, economic diversification, and social contribution; to identify their challenges in their attempts to contribute proactively to the society and economy; and finally—considering the contextual conditions—to design tailored and progressive policies, mechanisms, and programs to promote and support their multi-dimensional contributions to society and the economy at the fullest level of their potential.

Date of Award	2022
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Science and Engineering