Challenges in the Economic Participation of Women as Entrepreneurs

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Filipino women are active as entrepreneurs. Data from the Department of Trade and Industry for 2009 show that 54 percent of enterprises are owned by women. This Policy Note discusses the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. To achieve inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region, it is critical to increase the economic opportunities of women in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies. APEC members must take national-level and regional actions toward creating enabling environments for women enterprises and empowering women entrepreneurs. The significant number of women entrepreneurs reflects the huge potential of women to make substantial contributions to the national economy. For this to be realized, they need to be supported through appropriate and timely interventions toward growing and scaling up their business.