Monday 22 June 2009

TSRC and Middlesex University organised a joint workshop with the Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research (CEEDR), to explore the state of research surrounding gender and diversity within social enterprise.

The workshop brought together academics, social entrepreneurs and support providers within the enterprise field, to help identify what we need to know about gender and social enterprise, and contribute to emerging research agendas.

Presentations were given by Servane Mouazan of Ogunte, and Parvin Ali of FATIMA women’s network, two social enterprises set up to support women social entrepreneurs.

Questions were raised about our lack of knowledge on social enterprises and entrepreneurs – how many actually exist, and can we define them? What motivates social entrepreneurs, and are these motivations different for men and women? What support do these entrepreneurs receive, and what obstacles do they face.

It was noted that there was very little research evidence on the characteristics of social entrepreneurs, and diversity within social enterprise; yet there are many assumptions. As policy makers increasingly state their support for social enterprise, these issues cannot be ignored.