Women entrepreneurship in developing countries: A European example

Abstract

This research investigates women small business entrepreneurship in Albania. The purpose is to provide contextual information
to potential future (women) entrepreneurs about how to get into business and overcome challenges. The 11 interviewed
Albanian women entrepreneurs explain how they survive a difficult patriarchal society. Contemporary developments in Albania
are explained and a comparison is made of recent entrepreneurship research. The results of the research show seven themes:
(1) strong relationship between previous experiences and the decision to become self-employed, (2) influence of educational
and family background on women’s motivation and career development, (3) gender issues relating to start-up and operating
of businesses, (4) major impact of gender on financial related issues, (5) differences in creating networks between men and
women, (6) perceived negative career influence because of being women, and (7) similarities with the contextual characteristics
of successful Dutch entrepreneurs as found in recent research (Gehrels 2012). Overall conclusion: Albania is developing but still
has challenging conditions for women small business entrepreneurs. Further research is suggested in other developing countries.