Lebanon's women entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience while navigating the complex challenges of post-war recovery. This critical research, a collaboration between the Lebanese League for Women in Business and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, documents the experiences of over 100 women business leaders as they rebuild their enterprises amid financial instability and operational disruptions.
The study reveals how women entrepreneurs are adapting to severe market constraints while simultaneously driving economic recovery through innovative approaches to business development. Despite facing significant hurdles in accessing capital, managing supply chain disruptions, and pivoting to digital marketing, these business leaders continue to sustain their operations and contribute to Lebanon's economic fabric.
Through a robust mixed-methods approach, the research gathered quantitative data from 122 women entrepreneurs across all eight governorates via strategic online surveys. These findings were enriched by focus group discussions with 30 participants who shared firsthand accounts of their adaptive strategies and resilience mechanisms, providing crucial context to the statistical findings.
This paper not only documents the immediate challenges facing women-led MSMEs/SMEs but also offers concrete, actionable recommendations for policymakers and support organizations. By identifying specific intervention points and capacity-building opportunities, the research establishes a practical framework for strengthening women's entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of Lebanon's sustainable economic recovery.
The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted support mechanisms that address women entrepreneurs' unique challenges while leveraging their demonstrated capacity for innovation and adaptation during crisis. As Lebanon charts its path forward, this research provides essential insights to ensure that women business leaders receive the resources and policy support necessary to thrive in the post-war business landscape.