Women business owners in the Middle East and North Africa: a five‐country research study

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer an account of women business owners in the Middle East and North Africa. Design/methodology/approach This five‐country research study included face‐to‐face interviews with women entrepreneurs in Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates. Findings The findings revealed that the women surveyed were operating across a range of business sectors and, in some cases, with employment levels ahead of most women‐owned firms in Western Europe and North America. Most of the women surveyed were trading internationally and were growth‐oriented. Practical implications This research offers valuable practical insights for policy makers, women's business organizations and financial institutions. Originality/value The paper offers an unprecedented level of new detailed information about women business owners and their enterprises in the region.