WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE STATE OF TOCANTINS AND IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Female entrepreneurship has become an important driver of economic and social development in Brazil. The country stands out among the world's largest female entrepreneurship ecosystems, bringing together millions of women involved in business creation and management. Despite this growth, structural challenges related to gender inequality, access to credit, informality, and institutional limitations remain. This study aims to analyze female entrepreneurial leadership in Brazil, with emphasis on the state of Tocantins, identifying advances, challenges, and perspectives for its strengthening. The research adopts a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach based on bibliographic review and documentary analysis of reports from Sebrae, IBGE, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), and institutions supporting female entrepreneurship. The results reveal significant growth in women's participation in business activities, as well as the strengthening of training programs, support networks, and public policies in Tocantins. However, barriers related to informality, double work shifts, gender stereotypes, and restricted access to financial resources persist. The study concludes that strengthening female entrepreneurial leadership requires integrated actions among governments, support institutions, the private sector, and civil society to promote inclusion, equity, and sustainable development.