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The Role of Entrepreneurship in Closing Gender Gaps in Myanmar


September 15, 2020

Often referred to as Asia’s last “frontier market”, Myanmar is a country experiencing rapid socio-economic change as a result of private sector expansion and entrepreneurial ecosystem development.  Entrepreneurship is a key driver for economic progress with recent reports indicating that over 95% of businesses in Myanmar operate on a small scale (also known as Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) or small, growing, businesses (SGBs)) and 75% of the country’s employment relies on micro and small enterprises.  Furthermore, for many demographic groups, including women, youth and disadvantaged groups, entrepreneurship provides an opportunity for livelihood development and a means for poverty reduction.  However, what is the role of entrepreneurship in closing gender gaps in Myanmar?

To explore this concept further, SPF, together with partners, Emerging Market Entrepreneurs Myanmar (EME) and SHE investments, published this research report to understand the gender gaps that currently exist in Myanmar and the potential role that innovative businesses can play, by leveraging their strengths to innovate and develop sustainable and scalable solutions, to support women’s livelihoods in Myanmar.

The report showcases ten innovative businesses, outlining their motivation, vision, management structures, and business models used to drive development of enterprises, products, and services to serve women employees and customers. Additionally, the study takes initial steps to understand the needs of single or zero employee women business owners who embrace entrepreneurialism as a form of necessity-driven livelihood in rural Myanmar. Finally, in order to bring more positive impact to women and girls in Myanmar, the report offers recommendations not only for innovative businesses but also investors and ecosystem builders on how they can support women-focused businesses to develop products and services that promote women’s livelihoods development in Myanmar.

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Closing Gender Gaps in Myanmar
(executive summary English)

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Closing Gender Gaps in Myanmar
(executive summary Myammar)

Description

Category Special Report
Author/Editor Emerging Markets Entrepreneurs
Sasakawa Peace Foundation
Date of Publication September 2020
Content Foreword

Executive Summary

Introduction 

Striving Towards Gender Equality in Myanmar
Women’s Empowerment Framework for Southeast Asia
Why Entrepreneurship for Closing Gender Gaps?
Purpose of This Study
Approach

Identifying Gender Gaps in Myanmar

Economic Empowerment

Personal Safety And Mobility
Formal Representation 
Education
Health
Time
Decision Making

Survey: Innovative Business Addressing Gender Gaps
Case Studies Of Startups Working Toward Closing Gender Gaps In Myanmar

Survey: Women Business Owners In Rural Myanmar
Recommendations

Appendix I: Advanced Recommendations For Establishing A Long-Term Support Vehicle

Appendix Ii: Advanced Recommendations For Creating A Formal Network Of Paid Mentors
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