Amid Gender Inequality and Entrepreneurship, Do Working Women in Erbil Underperform?

Abstract

This study aims to explore the characteristics that define a successful woman entrepreneur in the business sector, examine gender inequality and the policies that affect females from childhood through stages of life, and investigate the gender underperformance hypothesis by evaluating the barriers that hinder women's progress in the business field. This research adopts a qualitative approach through conducting qualitative interviews. The participants are divided into two groups: businessmen and businesswomen in Erbil: They consist of (20) businessmen and (10) businesswomen in different business areas such as construction, real estate, service industry, managing marketing, design, beauty center, cooking and baking shop, healthcare center, education system, and socializing services. The results reveal that family and society are the most influential factors in shaping individuals' success in business. However, progression in business requires personal capability, knowledge, self-confidence, and clear direction. Moreover, the study found that childhood is a critical period for observing and developing an interest in business. The findings further disclose that the more common factors refer to coercive control from men and a lack of trust in women’s abilities. The combination of traditional female roles such as being women, wives, and mothers often limits their ability to manage a business simultaneously. The final finding highlights physiological differences between men and women as an additional factor contributing to the women's underperformance hypothesis.