Refugee Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Concept Analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to conceptually define refugee women's entrepreneurship in host countries, filling a literature gap on its gendered aspects and effects on well-being and integration. It seeks to clarify this concept and its impact on refugee women's empowerment, autonomy, and community contribution.

Design/methodology/approach: Employing the Walker and Avant (2011) method, this analysis methodically reviews literature on refugee women's entrepreneurship, identifying key attributes, antecedents and consequences of refugee women’s entrepreneurship. The study grounds these findings in real-world cases and theory.

Findings: The analysis shows that refugee women pursue entrepreneurship to overcome employment obstacles, using their resilience and creativity. It provides a route to empowerment, independence, and integration, improving well-being and challenging gender norms, while positively impacting the host society's economy and social structure.

Conclusion and implications: This concept analysis uniquely deepens our insight into refugee women's entrepreneurship, offering an intricate conceptualization that bridges economic, social, cultural, and psychological facets. It positions entrepreneurship as a strategic response to displacement with profound implications for policy and practice. This concept analysis emphasizes the need for policies and programs that support refugee women's entrepreneurship, aiding their integration and enhancing host economies. It also underscores entrepreneurship's role in advancing gender equality, social inclusion, and community resilience, advocating for wider recognition of these entrepreneurs' societal contributions.

Keywords: Refugee women; entrepreneurship; concept analysis; Walker and Avant