Female ecosystem: empowering women entrepreneurship through mentoring and work networks in Chile

Abstract

Female relations in the business world are fundamental to reducing the gender gap in the sector. In this study, collaborative work networks were created during a mentoring program with businesswomen in Valparaíso (Chile), involving recognizing role models to understand the sisterhood they promote to benefit their professional and business growth. In this qualitative research, participants were interviewed, and a behavioral perception analysis was carried out on the concepts of empowerment, sorority, role models, and mentoring. It was found that these processes allow women entrepreneurs to share experiences and create scenarios of trust, solidarity, empathy, and empowerment. Creating networks and links helps narrow the gender gaps for women entrepreneurs in the region.