Life Story of Entrepreneur Women in the West Border Region of Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the life history of women entrepreneurs in the West Frontier region of Rio Grande do Sul. For this purpose, the research was conducted with five entrepreneur women in the cities of Rosário do Sul, Santana do Livramento and São Gabriel. The study has a qualitative approach and the method used was life history, using the analytical instrument of the interpretative analysis. The research results showed that despite advances and female achievements over the years, entrepreneur women still suffer from discrimination in the business environment, face difficulties in accessing sources of finance, and the burden of reconciling multiple roles (wife, mother, businesswoman, etc). Usually, these women have a more flexible, empathic profile than men; they are also often focused, responsible and very dedicated to their business, constantly striving to improve it. They also have a rigid profile when it comes to business expenses so that they can stay productive and competitive in the marketplace.