BLACK WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF PARACATU: FEELINGS, VOICES AND VICTORIES

Abstract

Much is discussed about equality and opportunity, but in practice, Black people are still the most disadvantaged in the labor market. Beyond racial discrimination, it is important to address how Black women are inserted in the labor market and which elements differentiate them, what difficulties they face, and what challenges arise from being a Black woman in the business environment, which often discriminates for being a woman and, consequently, also for being a Black woman. There is structural racism applied to business and the way it prevents Black women entrepreneurs from developing economically, without society recognizing that inequality exists. This structural racism builds barriers in female entrepreneurship, showing that it is not only the will to work that is necessary, but also opportunities. This article presents data and challenges regarding Black female entrepreneurship, as well as access to inspiring stories proving that, despite all the difficulties, women continue to fight for their place in the market. The aim of this research is to investigate how Black women entrepreneurs have overcome the barriers they have experienced and how they develop coping behaviors when facing difficulties for the survival of their businesses.