Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean: A Policy Brief on Regulatory Reform

9 Pages Posted: 18 Apr 2025 Last revised: 16 Apr 2025

See all articles by Priscilla Bahaw

Priscilla Bahaw

The University of the West Indies

Ayanna Stephens

Unversity of the Commonwealth Caribbean

Abede Mack

Saint Francis Xavier University

Date Written: April 14, 2025

Abstract

This policy brief proposes urgent policy actions to advance women's entrepreneurship and reduce gender-based inequality in the Caribbean as it related to women starting and growing their own businesses. Drawing on an integrated literature review, we critically examine credit policies, employment and social protection laws, and the regulatory environment that collectively hinder women's entrepreneurial engagement. In response, we offer a women-centered policy mix aimed at regulatory reform to facilitate women's entry into entrepreneurship and support their long-term success.

Keywords: Women, Entrepreneurship, Legal, Policy, Caribbean

JEL Classification: L26, J16, K38, O12, O54

Suggested Citation

Bahaw, Priscilla and Stephens, Ayanna and Mack, Abede,

Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean: A Policy Brief on Regulatory Reform

(April 14, 2025). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=5216980 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5216980

Priscilla Bahaw (Contact Author)

The University of the West Indies ( email )

St Augustine
Trinidad and Tobago

Ayanna Stephens

Unversity of the Commonwealth Caribbean ( email )

Abede Mack

Saint Francis Xavier University ( email )

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
24
Abstract Views
198
PlumX Metrics