Beyond the Classroom: Gender and Dreams in South African Entrepreneurship

This study explores how gender impacts students' aspirations to pursue entrepreneurship within South African higher education.Reviewing international and local literature, it highlights how gender influences entrepreneurial intentions and aspirations.The study proposes a conceptual framework that considers sociocultural factors, institutional practices, and individual agency.It reveals that gendered perceptions and societal expectations shape students' entrepreneurial visions.Despite traditional gender roles posing challenges, targeted educational interventions show potential for transformation.The framework includes concepts of empowerment, resilience, and mentorship to mitigate barriers faced by underrepresented groups, especially women.The paper calls for a critical examination of entrepreneurship curricula to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness to diverse student needs.By fostering equity and innovation, higher education institutions can reshape the entrepreneurial landscape in South Africa.This conceptual exploration aims to inspire further research and guide policymakers and educators in supporting all students' entrepreneurial aspirations, with implications extending to global discussions on gender, education, and entrepreneurship.