Women's Entrepreneurship as a Driver of Employment and Household Income: A Comparative Analysis of Uzbekistan and Global Trends
Abstract
This study investigates the role of women’s entrepreneurship as a key driver of employment generation and household income growth in both global and Uzbekistan-specific contexts. Drawing on empirical evidence from international institutions such as the World Bank, OECD, and ILO, the paper explores the structural contributions of women-led enterprises to labor markets, income distribution, and socio-economic development. The analysis reveals that women’s entrepreneurship operates as a multiplier mechanism, influencing not only direct income generation but also broader welfare indicators such as education, health, and consumption. While Uzbekistan demonstrates significant progress in expanding women’s participation in business, structural barriers persist, particularly in access to finance, sectoral diversification, and regional disparities.