L ENTREPRENEURIAT SOCIAL FEMININ AU MAROC : ANALYSE DES DEFIS SOCIO-ECONOMIQUES ET SOCIOCULTURELS DANS LES COOPERATIVES INNOVANTES

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs have a strategic place in economic development, particularly in Africa where they often run small and medium-sized businesses in the retail and service sector. In Morocco, they represent about 10% of all entrepreneurs, concentrating mainly in crafts and services. However, they face significant barriers such as limited access to finance, insufficient professional networks and socio-cultural barriers. This study aims to explore the socio-economic factors influencing female social entrepreneurship in Morocco and to assess the effectiveness of current support mechanisms within innovative cooperatives. To do this, a mixed methodology was adopted, including surveys of 200 women entrepreneurs and semi-structured interviews with experts and decision-makers. The results indicate that Moroccan women social entrepreneurs face major challenges, including financial constraints, restrictive socio-cultural norms and insufficient institutional support. Current support policies, while partially beneficial, are not sufficient to remove these barriers optimally. In order to improve conditions for women social entrepreneurs in Morocco, it is necessary to facilitate access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurial training programs and develop effective professional networks. The initiatives should also encourage women to invest in high value-added sectors and transform societal perceptions of female entrepreneurship.

These strategies are key to strengthening women’s empowerment and fostering the country’s economic development. This research provides evidence-based recommendations and aims to promote an environment conducive to female social entrepreneurship within innovative cooperatives.