The Business of Women: Entrepreneurial Politics in Latin America

Abstract

In appreciating women's role in entrepreneurship and the development of the world economy, this paper examines the legal and political differences between Peru and Bolivia that affect women's engagement in entrepreneurship. Historically, women's entrepreneurial potential has been undermined in the global business arena, particularly in developing countries such as Bolivia and Peru. Understanding such a gender gap needs not only a grasp of history but also legal, political, and cultural barriers towards women's engagement in business. The study points to the gender significance in business, demonstrating that women have been disadvantaged as opposed to their male counterparts with the institutional structures, such as the existing laws and policies. Furthermore, the study points that corruption is a great challenge in business, particularly, when it comes to an individual trying to engage in the existing policies and legal guidelines in entrepreneurship. Such challenges affect women's participation in Bolivia and Peru, where the policy and legal formulation and conduct have been dominated by the patriarchal society. Therefore, corruption and a strongly patriarchal society hinders women's engagement in business in Bolivia and Peru. Politically, the study identifies that women in Bolivia and Peru are undermined by the government structure, thus, there is a challenge for women empowerment when it comes to engaging in leadership or business.