Gender Gaps and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education: A Case Study of UBEUniversity, Ecuador
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63969/tycbz357Keywords:
Educational barriers, Gender, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Electrical engineeringAbstract
This study analyzes the barriers perceived by Electrical Engineering students in relation to the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, with particular attention to gender-related differences. The findings show that female participation in this field remains limited and that women face greater difficulties than their male peers, mainly due to sociocultural factors, low representation in technical programs and institutional conditions that do not always support their entrepreneurial involvement. Nevertheless, the female participant obtained higher scores in autonomy and personal commitment, reflecting a stronger orientation toward professional independence and entrepreneurial action. In contrast, male students expressed greater confidence in their innovative abilities, a result that may be associated with gender stereotypes commonly present in traditionally male-dominated areas. Institutional barriers were also identified as factors that restrict the strengthening of entrepreneurial competencies within the university context. Overall, the findings highlight the need to implement more inclusive academic policies, curricular strategies and support mechanisms aimed at reducing gender gaps, strengthening female participation and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Electrical Engineering education.
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