Breaking barriers: gender convergence in entrepreneurial intentions in Colombian universities
Diana Oliveros Contreras, Carolina Monsalve-Castro, Mauricio Mendoza GarcíaPurpose
Entrepreneurship in Latin America is important for competitiveness and economic growth, with universities providing spaces for entrepreneurial skill development. This study examined whether entrepreneurial intention differs systematically by gender due to distinct psychological mechanisms or converges within university ecosystems that broaden access to entrepreneurial resources and opportunities.
Design/methodology/approach
Hierarchical logistic regression models, including quadratic and gender-interaction terms, were estimated using data from 6,249 Colombian university students participating in the GUESSS 2023–2024 survey.
Findings
The gender gap was negligible and non-significant in this context, while the associations of self-efficacy, university climate, and resilience with entrepreneurial intention did not differ significantly by gender. The participating universities appear to provide inclusive environments associated with more equitable conditions for entrepreneurial development.
Practical implications
Universities should consider inclusive strategies accessible to all students, while retaining gender-sensitive support where structural barriers persist. The findings inform policies aligned with SDG 5 (gender equality) and SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth).
Originality/value
The study questions the assumption of a persistent gender gap by providing context-specific evidence that gender differences in entrepreneurial intention may be attenuated in inclusive university environments.