Bridget Nneka Irene is an award-winning researcher whose work explores the intersections of entrepreneurship, intersectionality, legitimacy, and decolonial methodologies. With a PhD from Cardiff Metropolitan University, she draws on over 15 years of industry experience and a decade in academia to critically examine enterprise in the Global South. Her research centres on amplifying marginalised voices, particularly women and minority entrepreneurs, within innovation and sustainability discourse. Dr Irene leads several international research collaborations and is editor of multiple volumes on inclusive and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurship and development. Joan Lockyer is a Professor of Entrepreneurship, consultant and independent researcher. Her research interests focus on the transformative effect of entrepreneurship through education especially for disadvantaged groups. She is specifically interested in the interplay between policy, innovation and leadership. Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure (PhD) is Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at IDRAC Business School, France, and Associate Researcher at both CERAG – Université Grenoble Alpes and the FERE Chair – Grenoble Ecole de Management. She is a former Visiting Professor at Leuphana University, Germany, and a member of CREE, the French network of researchers in entrepreneurship education. She also serves as Director and Board Member of the International Social Capital Association, Founder of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Academy in South Africa, and a Founding Executive Member of the Women Research Network. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, she founded ITU Espace Design, an interior and fashion design concept store based in France, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in South African townships. Her work has been featured in Marie Claire Maison, Elle Deco, and Art & Décoration. Her research focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship, institutional theory, and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurial ecosystems.Chioma Masi Onoshakpor is a lecturer in management and entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, UK. She is an experienced entrepreneur, and an accomplished non-profit female advocate leader with ten (10) years of experience in helping female entrepreneurs scale their businesses in Africa.Dina Modestus Nziku (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. Her research focuses on women’s entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship policy and strategies for promoting entrepreneurship in developing countries. She has published in academic journals, books, and book chapters, as well as edited scientific research books and professional reports. Dr Nziku has presented her research work on women entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at the United Nations (UNCTAD), and forcibly displaced refugee women entrepreneurs at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), as well as other national and international conferences. James Okrah is an independent researcher and former visiting scholar at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He is a distinguished Ph.D. graduate from Ural Federal University, Russia and specializes in the dynamic intersection of institutions and innovation within his research endeavours. Since 2016, he has actively contributed as a research fellow, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise. His scholarly impact is evident through his role as the primary author of numerous influential articles, showcasing his profound insights and dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.

• Chapter 1. Introduction: Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth for Female Entrepreneurs in the Global South; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Part 1. Foundations of Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Chapter 2. Rural Entrepreneurship in India; Mahnaaz Siddiqui Chapter 3. Inclusive and Resilient Rural Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe: A Gender and Disability Lens; Faith Sithole Chapter 4. Bridging Knowledge Boundaries: Multi-Stakeholder Women’s Empowerment Networks for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Kassa Woldesenbet Beta and Olapeju Ogunmokun Part 2. Women’s Entrepreneurial Agency and Business GrowthChapter 5. Exploring Women Entrepreneurs' Perceptions of Business Networks: Insights from Morocco; Ezzahzi Amina and Sahraoui Doha Chapter 6. Bridging the Funding Gap to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa; Marlini Nair and Mfazo Cliford Madondo Chapter 7. Microfinance and Women Economic Empowerment: A Study of Entrepreneurial Behavior of SHG Women in India; Aditi Soni, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Sanjay Kumar PatelPart 3. Policy, Government, and Institutional Support for Women Entrepreneurs Chapter 8. Agri-Business in India: A Gender-Based Analysis of Key Upliftment Areas for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs; Gopish G, Kavya Shabu, Nayana Prabhash, and K. S. Suresh Kumar Chapter 9. The Intersection of Family Characteristics and the Empowerment of Women-Owned Family Businesses in South Africa; Palesa Makhetha-Kosi, Zikhona Dlabatshana, Sipesihle Booi, Nyasha Chimucheka, and Richard Shambare Part 4. Women’s Entrepreneurship and Resilience in CrisisChapter 10. A Multi-Nation Study on Women Entrepreneurs' Response to Covid-19 Crisis in The Global South: A Feminist Perspective; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Chapter 11. Resilience in Crisis: How Women Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa Adapted and Pivoted Their Businesses to Survive the COVID-19 Pandemic; Bridget Nneka Irene, Omowunmi Adeola-Omole, Mirhiga Peter Okuwhere, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Muskan Khan Chapter 12. The Resilience of Female Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies During Crisis; Ngozichukwuka Margaret Eneh Chapter 13. Exploring the Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ventures in a Fragile State: The Case of Burundi; Chanel Bikorimana and Dina Modestus Nziku Part 5. Informal Entrepreneurship and Pathways to Formalization Chapter 14. Informal Entrepreneurship and Formalisation: Entrepreneurial Motivation a Catalyst for Understanding the Willingness to Formalise; Deji Olagboye, Demola Obembe, and Regina Hule Chapter 15. Rural Women Entrepreneurship Impact, Challenges, Success Factors and Emerging Trends in The Global South: A Bibliometric Review; Ntswaki Matlala, Knowledge Shumba, Richard Shambare, and Patrick Ebewo JrChapter 16. Conclusion - Rethinking Women's Entrepreneurship in the Global South: From Constraint to Agency; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, Dina Modestus Nziku, and James Okrah

Bridget Nneka Irene is an award-winning researcher whose work explores the intersections of entrepreneurship, intersectionality, legitimacy, and decolonial methodologies. With a PhD from Cardiff Metropolitan University, she draws on over 15 years of industry experience and a decade in academia to critically examine enterprise in the Global South. Her research centres on amplifying marginalised voices, particularly women and minority entrepreneurs, within innovation and sustainability discourse. Dr Irene leads several international research collaborations and is editor of multiple volumes on inclusive and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurship and development. Joan Lockyer is a Professor of Entrepreneurship, consultant and independent researcher. Her research interests focus on the transformative effect of entrepreneurship through education especially for disadvantaged groups. She is specifically interested in the interplay between policy, innovation and leadership. Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure (PhD) is Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at IDRAC Business School, France, and Associate Researcher at both CERAG – Université Grenoble Alpes and the FERE Chair – Grenoble Ecole de Management. She is a former Visiting Professor at Leuphana University, Germany, and a member of CREE, the French network of researchers in entrepreneurship education. She also serves as Director and Board Member of the International Social Capital Association, Founder of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Academy in South Africa, and a Founding Executive Member of the Women Research Network. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, she founded ITU Espace Design, an interior and fashion design concept store based in France, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in South African townships. Her work has been featured in Marie Claire Maison, Elle Deco, and Art & Décoration. Her research focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship, institutional theory, and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurial ecosystems.Chioma Masi Onoshakpor is a lecturer in management and entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, UK. She is an experienced entrepreneur, and an accomplished non-profit female advocate leader with ten (10) years of experience in helping female entrepreneurs scale their businesses in Africa.Dina Modestus Nziku (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. Her research focuses on women’s entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship policy and strategies for promoting entrepreneurship in developing countries. She has published in academic journals, books, and book chapters, as well as edited scientific research books and professional reports. Dr Nziku has presented her research work on women entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at the United Nations (UNCTAD), and forcibly displaced refugee women entrepreneurs at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), as well as other national and international conferences. James Okrah is an independent researcher and former visiting scholar at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He is a distinguished Ph.D. graduate from Ural Federal University, Russia and specializes in the dynamic intersection of institutions and innovation within his research endeavours. Since 2016, he has actively contributed as a research fellow, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise. His scholarly impact is evident through his role as the primary author of numerous influential articles, showcasing his profound insights and dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.

• Chapter 1. Introduction: Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth for Female Entrepreneurs in the Global South; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Part 1. Foundations of Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Chapter 2. Rural Entrepreneurship in India; Mahnaaz Siddiqui Chapter 3. Inclusive and Resilient Rural Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe: A Gender and Disability Lens; Faith Sithole Chapter 4. Bridging Knowledge Boundaries: Multi-Stakeholder Women’s Empowerment Networks for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Kassa Woldesenbet Beta and Olapeju Ogunmokun Part 2. Women’s Entrepreneurial Agency and Business GrowthChapter 5. Exploring Women Entrepreneurs' Perceptions of Business Networks: Insights from Morocco; Ezzahzi Amina and Sahraoui Doha Chapter 6. Bridging the Funding Gap to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa; Marlini Nair and Mfazo Cliford Madondo Chapter 7. Microfinance and Women Economic Empowerment: A Study of Entrepreneurial Behavior of SHG Women in India; Aditi Soni, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Sanjay Kumar PatelPart 3. Policy, Government, and Institutional Support for Women Entrepreneurs Chapter 8. Agri-Business in India: A Gender-Based Analysis of Key Upliftment Areas for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs; Gopish G, Kavya Shabu, Nayana Prabhash, and K. S. Suresh Kumar Chapter 9. The Intersection of Family Characteristics and the Empowerment of Women-Owned Family Businesses in South Africa; Palesa Makhetha-Kosi, Zikhona Dlabatshana, Sipesihle Booi, Nyasha Chimucheka, and Richard Shambare Part 4. Women’s Entrepreneurship and Resilience in CrisisChapter 10. A Multi-Nation Study on Women Entrepreneurs' Response to Covid-19 Crisis in The Global South: A Feminist Perspective; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Chapter 11. Resilience in Crisis: How Women Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa Adapted and Pivoted Their Businesses to Survive the COVID-19 Pandemic; Bridget Nneka Irene, Omowunmi Adeola-Omole, Mirhiga Peter Okuwhere, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Muskan Khan Chapter 12. The Resilience of Female Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies During Crisis; Ngozichukwuka Margaret Eneh Chapter 13. Exploring the Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ventures in a Fragile State: The Case of Burundi; Chanel Bikorimana and Dina Modestus Nziku Part 5. Informal Entrepreneurship and Pathways to Formalization Chapter 14. Informal Entrepreneurship and Formalisation: Entrepreneurial Motivation a Catalyst for Understanding the Willingness to Formalise; Deji Olagboye, Demola Obembe, and Regina Hule Chapter 15. Rural Women Entrepreneurship Impact, Challenges, Success Factors and Emerging Trends in The Global South: A Bibliometric Review; Ntswaki Matlala, Knowledge Shumba, Richard Shambare, and Patrick Ebewo JrChapter 16. Conclusion - Rethinking Women's Entrepreneurship in the Global South: From Constraint to Agency; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, Dina Modestus Nziku, and James Okrah

Bridget Nneka Irene is an award-winning researcher whose work explores the intersections of entrepreneurship, intersectionality, legitimacy, and decolonial methodologies. With a PhD from Cardiff Metropolitan University, she draws on over 15 years of industry experience and a decade in academia to critically examine enterprise in the Global South. Her research centres on amplifying marginalised voices, particularly women and minority entrepreneurs, within innovation and sustainability discourse. Dr Irene leads several international research collaborations and is editor of multiple volumes on inclusive and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurship and development. Joan Lockyer is a Professor of Entrepreneurship, consultant and independent researcher. Her research interests focus on the transformative effect of entrepreneurship through education especially for disadvantaged groups. She is specifically interested in the interplay between policy, innovation and leadership. Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure (PhD) is Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at IDRAC Business School, France, and Associate Researcher at both CERAG – Université Grenoble Alpes and the FERE Chair – Grenoble Ecole de Management. She is a former Visiting Professor at Leuphana University, Germany, and a member of CREE, the French network of researchers in entrepreneurship education. She also serves as Director and Board Member of the International Social Capital Association, Founder of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Academy in South Africa, and a Founding Executive Member of the Women Research Network. With over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience, she founded ITU Espace Design, an interior and fashion design concept store based in France, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in South African townships. Her work has been featured in Marie Claire Maison, Elle Deco, and Art & Décoration. Her research focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship, institutional theory, and decolonial approaches to entrepreneurial ecosystems.Chioma Masi Onoshakpor is a lecturer in management and entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, UK. She is an experienced entrepreneur, and an accomplished non-profit female advocate leader with ten (10) years of experience in helping female entrepreneurs scale their businesses in Africa.Dina Modestus Nziku (PhD) is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, UK. Her research focuses on women’s entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship policy and strategies for promoting entrepreneurship in developing countries. She has published in academic journals, books, and book chapters, as well as edited scientific research books and professional reports. Dr Nziku has presented her research work on women entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at the United Nations (UNCTAD), and forcibly displaced refugee women entrepreneurs at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), as well as other national and international conferences. James Okrah is an independent researcher and former visiting scholar at the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) at the University of Regensburg, Germany. He is a distinguished Ph.D. graduate from Ural Federal University, Russia and specializes in the dynamic intersection of institutions and innovation within his research endeavours. Since 2016, he has actively contributed as a research fellow, demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise. His scholarly impact is evident through his role as the primary author of numerous influential articles, showcasing his profound insights and dedication to advancing knowledge in his field.

• Chapter 1. Introduction: Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Growth for Female Entrepreneurs in the Global South; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Part 1. Foundations of Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship Chapter 2. Rural Entrepreneurship in India; Mahnaaz Siddiqui Chapter 3. Inclusive and Resilient Rural Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe: A Gender and Disability Lens; Faith Sithole Chapter 4. Bridging Knowledge Boundaries: Multi-Stakeholder Women’s Empowerment Networks for Inclusive and Sustainable Entrepreneurship; Kassa Woldesenbet Beta and Olapeju Ogunmokun Part 2. Women’s Entrepreneurial Agency and Business GrowthChapter 5. Exploring Women Entrepreneurs' Perceptions of Business Networks: Insights from Morocco; Ezzahzi Amina and Sahraoui Doha Chapter 6. Bridging the Funding Gap to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa; Marlini Nair and Mfazo Cliford Madondo Chapter 7. Microfinance and Women Economic Empowerment: A Study of Entrepreneurial Behavior of SHG Women in India; Aditi Soni, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Sanjay Kumar PatelPart 3. Policy, Government, and Institutional Support for Women Entrepreneurs Chapter 8. Agri-Business in India: A Gender-Based Analysis of Key Upliftment Areas for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs; Gopish G, Kavya Shabu, Nayana Prabhash, and K. S. Suresh Kumar Chapter 9. The Intersection of Family Characteristics and the Empowerment of Women-Owned Family Businesses in South Africa; Palesa Makhetha-Kosi, Zikhona Dlabatshana, Sipesihle Booi, Nyasha Chimucheka, and Richard Shambare Part 4. Women’s Entrepreneurship and Resilience in CrisisChapter 10. A Multi-Nation Study on Women Entrepreneurs' Response to Covid-19 Crisis in The Global South: A Feminist Perspective; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Dina Modestus Nziku, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, and James Okrah Chapter 11. Resilience in Crisis: How Women Entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa Adapted and Pivoted Their Businesses to Survive the COVID-19 Pandemic; Bridget Nneka Irene, Omowunmi Adeola-Omole, Mirhiga Peter Okuwhere, Roohi Kursheed Khan, and Muskan Khan Chapter 12. The Resilience of Female Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies During Crisis; Ngozichukwuka Margaret Eneh Chapter 13. Exploring the Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Ventures in a Fragile State: The Case of Burundi; Chanel Bikorimana and Dina Modestus Nziku Part 5. Informal Entrepreneurship and Pathways to Formalization Chapter 14. Informal Entrepreneurship and Formalisation: Entrepreneurial Motivation a Catalyst for Understanding the Willingness to Formalise; Deji Olagboye, Demola Obembe, and Regina Hule Chapter 15. Rural Women Entrepreneurship Impact, Challenges, Success Factors and Emerging Trends in The Global South: A Bibliometric Review; Ntswaki Matlala, Knowledge Shumba, Richard Shambare, and Patrick Ebewo JrChapter 16. Conclusion - Rethinking Women's Entrepreneurship in the Global South: From Constraint to Agency; Bridget Nneka Irene, Joan Lockyer, Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure, Chioma Masi Onoshakpor, Dina Modestus Nziku, and James Okrah