Women’s entrepreneurship in the Republic of Moldova: special needs and policy priorities

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify the characteristics of women entrepreneurs in the Republic of Moldova and their needs for support in order to argue on the public policy measures. The authors believe that if the women’s entrepreneurship support policy is more responsive to the entrepreneurs’ needs, the potential and results of businesses will significantly increase. The article is based on the results of two surveys of women entrepreneurs conducted by the authors in 2017 and 2019. The research revealed that many of the needs of women entrepreneurs in Moldova remain unmet: the need for assistance at the start-up phase of a business; the need for specific regulation for family businesses; limited access to resources; the need for psychological support; division of domestic work, etc. This hinders the widespread development of women’s businesses in the country. It is necessary to improve the work of public institutions to overcome the existing patriarchal traditions in Moldova.