Women in Latin America and the Caribbean have dramatically increased their role in the workforce. Currently, about half of women in the region are economically active, more than double the level in the 1970s. They have been elected presidents of several Latin American countries and often dominate the microenterprise and microfinance sector, providing an important contribution to regional economies.

Still, women are severely underrepresented among small and medium-sized business owners. Globally, they own more than half of microenterprises but account for a quarter of small businesses and only 8 percent of medium-sized firms. Too frequently, women’s businesses do not grow beyond the micro stage. Their ventures tend to be small, informal, concentrated in the commerce sector, where profits and margins are low, and they often use less credit.

This is why overcoming the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs will be at the centre of this year's XIV Inter-American Microenterprise Forum (Foromic 2011), together with successful experiences to increase financial services in rural areas. Read the whole story: Women entrepreneurs: too often trapped in the microenterprise ghetto.

Learn more about MIF's work on women entrepreneurship and gender.

Get to know successful women in the region:

Luiza Trajano, Magazine Luiza	Isabel Cruz, Director General of the Mexican Credit Union Association (AMUCSS)	Iriny Lopes, Minister at the Department of Women's Policies

Women in Latin America and the Caribbean have dramatically increased their role in the workforce. Currently, about half of women in the region are economically active, more than double the level in the 1970s. They have been elected presidents of several Latin American countries and often dominate the microenterprise and microfinance sector, providing an important contribution to regional economies.

Still, women are severely underrepresented among small and medium-sized business owners. Globally, they own more than half of microenterprises but account for a quarter of small businesses and only 8 percent of medium-sized firms. Too frequently, women’s businesses do not grow beyond the micro stage. Their ventures tend to be small, informal, concentrated in the commerce sector, where profits and margins are low, and they often use less credit.

This is why overcoming the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs will be at the centre of this year's XIV Inter-American Microenterprise Forum (Foromic 2011), together with successful experiences to increase financial services in rural areas. Read the whole story: Women entrepreneurs: too often trapped in the microenterprise ghetto.

Learn more about MIF's work on women entrepreneurship and gender.

Get to know successful women in the region:

Luiza Trajano, Magazine Luiza	Isabel Cruz, Director General of the Mexican Credit Union Association (AMUCSS)	Iriny Lopes, Minister at the Department of Women's Policies