A state-of-the-art report issued by EMwoSE project partners – including LIT – calls for supports to be put in place at policy level to ensure that women from ethnic minority backgrounds can reach their full potential in the social enterprise (SE) sector.

The report has looked into challenges and barriers facing women from ethnic minorities involved in social enterprise in project partner countries (Ireland, Greece, Germany, Lithuania, the UK, Turkey & Italy).

Issues facing women from ethnic minority backgrounds in the sector include racist behaviour, suitable job circumstances, childcare provisions, lack of adequate leave entitlements and language barriers.

Along with looking at policies and strategies, the report also states that women from ethnic minorities need to be equipped with technical, managerial, entrepreneurial and personal maturity skills in order to thrive in social enterprise.

Senior Project Officer with LIT, Dr Marie Taylor, said: “Gender equality continues to be a significant issue worldwide. Social enterprises are playing a vital role in fostering inclusive growth and inclusivity, particularly for those from ethnic minority backgrounds. This report delves deeper into some of those challenges, which need to be overcome at policy level. Clear strategies will be necessary to put in place in areas like childcare and flexible working for women from ethnic minority backgrounds to thrive. We also must confront issues like racist behaviour in the workplace as a matter of priority.”

The literature review report has now identified key elements needed to identify and engage women from ethnic minority backgrounds in social enterprise. This will assist with the EMwoSE project’s ultimate aim of developing and implementing learning resources for both individuals and businesses to allow women from minority backgrounds to reach their social enterprise potential.

The report in full can be viewed here.