Women-Owned SMEs in Emerging Markets: The Missing Link in Global Supply Chains

Women are underrepresented in global supply chains, earning less than 1% of all money spent on vendors by large corporations and governments. This book investigates how women enter the supply chains of major global firms and multinational corporations and the challenges they face. It argues that these business owners are rewriting norms and rearranging markets through networked enterprises to advance prosocial industrialism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the captivating world of women as business owners in emerging markets, shedding light on the structural challenges they encounter as they strive to gain access to global supply chains. Through a comprehensive empirical investigation, the author uncovers the profound underrepresentation of women-owned enterprises in global supply chains, where they earn less than 1% of the total money spent on vendors by large corporations and governments worldwide. The author refers to this phenomenon as the "Women in Trade Deficit."

Drawing from a rich dataset encompassing a diverse range of SMEs in Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, the book explores the intricate processes through which women entrepreneurs navigate the supply chains of major global firms and multinational corporations. It sheds light on the hurdles they face, from securing contracts to overcoming cultural barriers and gender biases.

What sets this book apart is its focus on women at the helm of SMEs that engage in international trade. While many studies tend to concentrate on women at the micro-enterprise or laborer level, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of their role in driving the growth and success of SMEs. It offers valuable insights for researchers across business studies, economics, sociology, and development studies, as well as for donor agencies, policymakers, and the global private sector.

The book argues that these business owners are not only breaking barriers but also rewriting norms and reshaping markets through networked enterprises. By leveraging their unique perspectives and networks, women are advancing what the author calls "prosocial industrialism," a vision that promotes social responsibility, sustainability, and economic growth.

Through its compelling narrative and insightful analysis, this book provides a valuable roadmap for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders seeking to empower women in business and promote inclusive economic growth in emerging markets. It serves as a reminder that when women are given the opportunities and resources, they can be powerful agents of change, driving innovation, and creating a more equitable and prosperous world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367638504