FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE APPAREL SECTOR: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF ILHÉUS-BA

Abstract

The present work aimed to identify the opportunities and difficulties faced by women entrepreneurs in the clothing sector in the municipality of Ilhéus. The research, carried out for sampling reasons due to time constraints, consisted of sending a questionnaire to female entrepreneurs in this segment, which was available for 10 days. The study involved 10 women entrepreneurs classified as Micro Companies (ME), located in the center of Ilhéus, Bahia. The methodology adopted began with a bibliographical review to understand the reasons that led women to undertake in the clothing sector and the functioning of this sector when managed by women. Subsequently, qualitative research was conducted that included the researcher's interaction with the participants and the environment, aiming to understand the context they experienced. Then, a quantitative method was used that used statistical techniques to analyze the profile of the entrepreneurs, identifying common characteristics and difficulties. Finally, descriptive research was carried out to detail the characteristics of female entrepreneurship in the clothing sector in Ilhéus. Data collection was done through questionnaires applied to women entrepreneurs, seeking to analyze their trajectories and identify common patterns. Medium-sized stores in the center of Ilhéus were selected for comparative analysis. The results obtained revealed that female entrepreneurship in the clothing sector in Ilhéus is driven by women of different age groups, each contributing with their unique experiences and perspectives.