The Afro-Brazilian Women Entrepreneurs of Rio de Janeiro: Past, Present and Future

Abstract

Despite making up the majority of Brazil’s population and contributing to the economy, Afro-Brazilian women entrepreneurs have been largely marginalized and invisibilized. This qualitative study aims to fill in gaps in this research area by analyzing the specific challenges that Afro-Brazilian women entrepreneurs face in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the primary motivations that they face in this modern age. For the methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven Afro-Brazilian women, followed by a thematic analysis of the data. The results reveal several unique insights of these women in relation to their experiences in accessing capital, mentorship, and work space, as well as their desire to gain financial support to support household members, personal freedom, and to showcase their African culture. Based on these findings, several recommendations are provided on ways the Brazilian government and financial institutions can better support a growing number of Afro-Brazilian women entrepreneurs through the expansion of business programs and diversity initiatives.