Women’s entrepreneurship is an emerging sector in the global business environment, a real driving force in the modern economy. Women are shaping and redefining the workplace, business networks, financial institutions and culture, but in the Black Sea region they represent an untapped potential. Only 32% of entrepreneurs are women and opportunities are being missed at a time when sustainable economic growth is high on the agenda of all governments.

In general, entrepreneurship is seen as a key driver for a country’s economic success, but few coordinated initiatives are targeted at women. Research shows that tourism has become one of the main income generators in both developed and developing countries, with business volumes equaling or exceeding oil exports, food products or the automotive industry. Travel and tourism have been shown to provide women with more empowerment opportunities than other sectors, giving the sector increased responsibility for women’s advancement.

Countries around the Black Sea use very different means to increase the number of women entrepreneurs. Few countries have adopted a clear policy to encourage and facilitate women to start their own business or become more ambitious. In general, women are underrepresented in high growth sectors and have fewer employees than men.

Countries around the Black Sea use very different means to increase the number of women entrepreneurs. Few countries have adopted a clear policy to encourage and facilitate women to start their own business or become more ambitious. In general, women are underrepresented in high growth sectors and have fewer employees than men.