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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the twentieth century Arab women struggled to change their condition, and succeeded in finding a place, though still small, in the active labor force. Increasingly, Arab women are becoming educated, self-confident and autonomous. In a male dominated society, leading to feminization of unemployment, Arab women are considering starting their own businesses. They are venturing into self-employment opportunities. Social empowerment of Arab women has also become the aim of many. The increased participation of women in self managed activities is helping tremendously in the development and well-being of their households.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Arab, women, autonomy, gender
INTRODUCTION
In Arab countries, religion typically has a dominant place in people's lives. Most Arabs are Muslim. Muslim people see their religion Islam "first as a guide to a righteous way of life" (Abbasi, 1993). Therefore, an Arab woman will follow her duties to her religion before following her own interest and self fulfillment. Generally, she takes care of the typical responsibilities of an Arab woman, such as child bearing, household chores, her faith in God, and finally, after all is accomplished, her interest in starting a business may come. However, it is then that she is faced with politics, government bureaucracy, lack of support or money, and perhaps more religious constraints that do not allow most Arab women to cross the boundaries of what society accepts of them. A smaller number of Arab women entrepreneurs exist in comparison to American women entrepreneurs. The Arab world has many constraints such as religious, political, social, and cultural barriers that do not allow a woman to progress and enjoy socio-legal protection as a man would in the West. In addition, actual interaction between the media and social environment greatly differs and influences the success rate of women entrepreneurs in the Arab world.
STATUS OF ARAB WOMEN
Arab women in the past, and until the 20th century, usually had fewer opportunities and rights than men. Their presumed roles were restricted to wifehood/motherhood. Later on, Arab women significantly contributed to the economic, social and political developments in different countries. However, it is essential to point out that their contribution and participation in the work force is still a problem today, at the dawn of the 21st century in the Arab...