ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY: A LOOK AT WOMEN IN THE INFORMAL ECONOMY IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Abstract

The informal economy emerges as a fertile ground for female entrepreneurship, although it is permeated by significant structural and sociocultural challenges. Women who choose this path often face barriers ranging from resource scarcity to the lack of social recognition for their activities. This study investigates the experiences of women engaged in the informal economy in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, analyzing their profiles, the reasons that led them to entrepreneurship in this segment, as well as the benefits and challenges they face. To this end, a qualitative and exploratory approach was adopted, conducting semi-structured interviews with female entrepreneurs selected through the Snowball sampling method, allowing access to women from different areas of the informal economy. The data were analyzed using interpretative textual analysis, ensuring an in-depth understanding of the reported experiences. The results indicate a complex interaction between the entrepreneurs’ personal motivations and the challenges they encounter. Among the main motivations are the pursuit of autonomy, flexibility, and the need to balance work and family responsibilities. However, these women face significant difficulties, such as limited access to financial resources and a lack of institutional support. Despite these obstacles, they demonstrate high resilience and innovative capacity, factors that drive their autonomy and contribute to the sustainability of their businesses. Thus, it became evident that their perseverance and creativity play a crucial role in strengthening their entrepreneurial journeys, promoting self-fulfillment and independence.