<b>Public policies, gender and entrepreneurship: an analysis of the Programa Trabalho e Empreendedorismo da Mulher in the state of Pernambuco

Abstract

This article is the result of a study on the implementation of the Programa Trabalho e Empreendedorismo da Mulher in the state of Pernambuco (PTEM) and the benefits for participant women. The Program aimed to change the interrelation in local development processes and gender issues, taking into account vulnerable women by income (whether or not participants of social inclusion programs), presenting opportunities for income generation alternatives, market integration and in associations and cooperatives. The survey results showed that the PTEM-PE had its merits and has brought benefits to the participants, even if they have not been the goals in official documents, as mentioned more to the subjective, behavioral and existential aspects. The meaning assigned by them to the benefits was more noticeable with regard to changes produced in looks and opinions about themselves and not necessarily to their role and effective participation in local economic development, including by the emphasis given by these women to persistent difficulties to create or manage a business (either individually or in a group) and the obstacles to ensuring the financial independence from their husbands.