Gender stereotypes must be overturned to improve women’s opportunities as food system entrepreneurs

Nordhagen, S. 2022. Gender stereotypes must be overturned to improve women’s opportunities as food system entrepreneurs. CGIAR GENDER Platform Evidence Explainer. Nairobi, Kenya: CGIAR GENDER Platform.

"Key messages

• Both men and women in low- and middle-income countries face barriers to owning and growing food-systems enterprises, but those faced by women are generally higher. These barriers include poor access to finance, networks and mentors; lower literacy and numeracy; limited business skills; gender stereotypes; limited mobility; and dual work burdens.
• These issues can be partially overcome by providing training, business development services and financing and by fostering networks, but gender-transformative approaches to address root causes will also be needed.
• Negative stereotypes about women-owned businesses can be self-fulfilling, making it essential to recognize and accommodate the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face without reinforcing such stereotypes."