GENDER DIMENSION OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ECONOMIC INCLUSION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the gender dimension of social entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic inclusion in Ukraine under conditions of socio-economic transformation and post-war recovery. Theoretical and methodological foundations of gender economics are examined based on the concepts of E. Boserup, A. Sen, and M. Nussbaum, who substantiated the interdependence between economic development and the expansion of women’s capabilities. It is demonstrated that social entrepreneurship, oriented toward social value creation, provides unique opportunities for women’s economic engagement, human-capital formation, and community cohesion. The current state and trends of social entrepreneurship in Ukraine are analyzed from a gender perspective. Women account for more than half of the leaders of social enterprises, mainly in education, care services, creative industries, and sustainable agriculture. At the same time, systemic barriers continue to constrain female entrepreneurial activity – limited access to finance, a lack of mentoring, weak integration into professional networks, cultural stereotypes, and the double burden of balancing work and family responsibilities. An analytical model of the impact of gender factors on the innovative development of social entrepreneurship is proposed, combining internal (organizational and cultural) and external (institutional, financial, and regulatory) determinants. The model is grounded in the Oslo Manual 2018, the principles of the EU Social Economy Action Plan (SEAP), and the UN Women methodology for gender mainstreaming in sustainable-development policies. It is established that gender inclusion acts as a multiplier of innovativeness: enterprises with higher female representation in leadership positions demonstrate greater openness to technological and organizational innovation, managerial flexibility, and stronger social orientation of their business models. Moreover, external institutional support – grant schemes, gender-sensitive financing, and public procurement with social criteria – amplifies the positive effect of internal inclusion, enhancing the innovative capacity and social impact of enterprises. The study argues that the formation of a gender-responsive ecosystem of social entrepreneurship represents a strategic direction for Ukraine’s inclusive economic growth. The development of state policy in this field should include systematic gender analysis, expanded access of women to financial and educational resources, promotion of female leadership, and monitoring of diversity indicators in the entrepreneurial sector. Implementation of these approaches will strengthen the social economy, boost innovation, and foster a fair and inclusive model of national development.