Professional, personal and social dimensions of the entrepreneurial competence of women in the andalusian rural agricultural sphere

Abstract

Although the employment situation of women in rural Andalusia has improved slightly in recent years, there is still a notable gender gap in many respects which affects their level and type of entrepreneurship. Thus, the promotion of entrepreneurial skills in different spheres (formal, non-formal and informal) continues to be an important need to alleviate their disadvantageous situation. The aim of this study is to identify and describe, from the women's point of view, the possible dimensions that could be hindering or supporting the effective learning of entrepreneurial competence. A qualitative methodology was used with a sample of 30 women entrepreneurs in rural Andalusia by means of a semi-structured interview. The main results highlight how gender is perceived as a factor that negatively determines the degree and type of women's entrepreneurship. However, personal characteristics vs. other exogenous factors are identified as one of the most important dimensions. In this sense, the importance of women's intrinsic motivations for entrepreneurship is highlighted, as well as the social and ethical responsibility of their actions. Finally, it points to the need to continue strengthening the learning of entrepreneurial skills in formal and non-formal education but suggests the importance of promoting informal learning contexts such as, for example, continuous guidance and advice on entrepreneurial activity.