Enhancing women entrepreneurship in rural areas
Economic resources and entrepreneurship
The context
Following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, funding for small business in the Tohoku region increased to support businesses in recovering from the disaster. However, funding for female entrepreneurs accounts for only 24% of the funds available. Additionally, most support to small businesses and start-ups is concentrated in urban areas. Women living in rural areas are therefore often unable to access services such as financing, counselling, technical support. Furthermore, stereotypes and gender-biased behaviors tend to be more pervasive in rural areas.
The project
The project aims to support Women’s Eye in strengthening its methodology to support rural women’s entrepreneurship through leadership and skills development trainings, access to tools, funding, and networking opportunities. Women’s Eye will also create an online social education tool on empowerment for interested organizations and parties to support women from rural and disaster-affected areas to become productive and effective leaders in their communities.
The partner
Women’s Eye was created to support women following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, as well as the Fukushima nuclear accident in the Tohoku area