Participation of Women and Men in Entrepreneurship in Various Countries (Przedsiebiorczosc kobiet i mezczyzn w roznych krajach)

Purpose: The paper is devoted to the actual problem of the existing differences in women’s and men’s entrepreneurship. The aim of the research is to assess the prevailing levels of women’s and men’s participation in entrepreneurial activity in modern national economies. Methodology: The study dealt with the problem of determining indicator values characterizing the early stage of entrepreneurship; mature (sustainable) entrepreneurship, as well as quitting business activities. The results of the surveys conducted in 59 countries throughout the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Project were used as initial information. Findings: In the course of the research, nine indicators characterizing such stages as start-up and sustainable entrepreneurship along with the cessation of this activity were examined. The study developed the functions that show the distribution of the indicators in 59 countries describing women’s and men’s proportions at three main stages of entrepreneurship. Research limitations: The study had limitations on empirical data due to the fact that only 59 countries were considered. Originality: The attained results have indicated that there is a gender gap among the indicators of entrepreneurship in most countries, which means that women participate in it to a smaller extent than men. The methodological approach to assessing gender differences in entrepreneurship presented in the article can be applied in further research.