Can Social Entrepreneurs End Gender Inequality? A Critical Discussion with Social Entrepreneurs

Abstract

On International Women's Day in 2023, we organized a virtual panel discussion featuring three social entrepreneurs. The aim was to delve into the diverse organizational and contextual approaches employed by these entrepreneurs in addressing gender inequality. This article serves as a condensed summary of the enlightening conversation, featuring insights from the co-founder of Botanic Treasures, the Founder of Sana Crown, and the Director of International Relations at the University of the Gambia. The discussion commenced by highlighting the shared challenges confronting women in Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, and the USA, where our esteemed panelists operate. Subsequently, we explored practical solutions in alignment with the United Nations theme, "DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality," aimed at empowering women. Our choice to spotlight social entrepreneurs is rooted in the wisdom of David Bornstein, who once remarked that they possess the unique ability to identify resources where others see only problems. These entrepreneurs perceive communities as sources of solutions, not passive beneficiaries. They operate with the premise of competence and unleash the latent resources within the communities they serve. The overarching question we grapple with is whether social entrepreneurs are the key to eradicating gender inequality.