Informal women’s entrepreneurship in the global south: evidence from Brazil

Purpose This study empirically investigates the motivations and challenges faced by informal women entrepreneurs in emerging economies, with a specific focus on Brazil. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire was administered to 105 informal women entrepreneurs in Brazil. The instrument was developed based on prior theoretical and empirical studies, employing Likert scales to assess entrepreneurial motivations and challenges. The sample size and demographic variables were analyzed to identify significant correlations. Findings The results indicate that external support and incentives are the most prominent motivations for female entrepreneurs, reinforcing the hypothesis that these factors are key drivers of business creation. In contrast, the hypothesis that social motivations outweigh economic ones was rejected, as economic necessity emerged as a primary driver of entrepreneurial activity. Additionally, women entrepreneurs acknowledge and navigate gender discrimination, which is deeply embedded in their business environment. Originality/value This study provides an empirical contribution by shedding light on informal women entrepreneurs in Brazil, a group often overlooked in entrepreneurship research. The findings enhance the understanding of female entrepreneurship in developing economies and underscore the need for public policies that address gender discrimination and promote women's economic empowerment. This research aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by emphasizing the structural barriers faced by women and the necessity of targeted policy interventions.