This study examines the interplay between gender inequality and entrepreneurial intentions
in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region using 2019 Global Entrepreneurship
Monitor (GEM) data and the Gender Inequality Index (GII). The research investigates
how networks, perceived opportunities, knowledge/skills, fear of failure, and community
perceptions influence entre- preneurial intentions, with gender inequality as a moderator.
Employing binary logistic regression on 19,119 respondents across nine MENA countries,
the study tests six hypotheses to assess direct and gendered moderating effects. Results
reveal that networks, knowledge/skills, courage, and favorable community perceptions
significantly drive entrepreneurial intentions for both genders, whereas perceived
opportunities lack direct influence. Notably, gender inequality exhibits paradoxical
effects: while it does not directly suppress women’s intentions, it negatively moderates
their network efficacy while am- plifying their perceived opportunities. The study
challenges simplistic narratives of gender inequality as uniformly detrimental, illustrating
its dual role as both a structural barrier and an inadvertent motivator for women.
Methodological limitations, including reliance on cross-sectional data, highlight
oppor- tunities for future longitudinal and qualitative research. This work advances
understanding of gendered entrepreneurship in MENA, offering pathways to promote inclusive
economic participation.
