DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.178134.3 ISSN: 2046-1402

Cultural dynamics in entrepreneurial education: Barriers, perceptions, and transformation pathways

Alejandro Valencia-Arias, Ada Gallegos, Jackeline Valencia, Ledy Gómez-Bayona, Rutsmy Angel Manuel Gallegos Pacheco
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Women’s entrepreneurial education has been increasingly recognized as a mechanism for promoting gender equality and economic participation in rural contexts. However, persistent cultural, symbolic, and structural barriers continue to limit women’s access to training, leadership opportunities, and innovation ecosystems, particularly in Latin America. Methods A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in Scopus and Web of Science between January and September 2025. Studies published between 2015 and 2025 in English or Spanish were included if they addressed women’s entrepreneurial education, leadership, or cultural barriers in rural or comparable contexts. A total of 842 records were identified, and after screening and eligibility assessment, 129 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 45 in the in-depth analysis. Results The findings indicate that institutional constraints, educational inequalities, and persistent gender stereotypes are the most frequently reported barriers. Facilitating factors include sociocultural support, visible role models, inclusive educational programs, and gender-oriented public policies. Women’s leadership is commonly described as collaborative and community-oriented, with documented associations to entrepreneurial self-efficacy, economic participation, and community resilience. Conclusions Entrepreneurial education functions as a mediating mechanism within rural ecosystems, transforming structural and symbolic barriers into opportunities for empowerment and leadership. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the cultural and institutional conditions shaping women’s entrepreneurial education and leadership in rural contexts.

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