MLS PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCHhttps://www.mlsjournals.com/ISSN: 2605-5295 |
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How to cite this article:
Navarro-Roque, E. S., Suazo Torres, L. E., & Lamiño Jaramillo, P. (2024). Psychosocial aspects influencing the participation of rural women in Honduras in community entrepreneurship. MLS Psychology Research, 7(1), 7-22. Doi: 10.33000/mlspr.v7i1.2344.
Psychosocial aspects influencing the participation of rural women in Honduras in community entrepreneurship
Emma Sarahi Navarro-Roque
Panamerican Agricultural School (Honduras)
nemmasarahi8@gmail.com · https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3305-4227
Laura Elena Suazo Torres
Panamerican Agricultural School (Honduras)
lesuazo@gmail.com · https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7857-0140
Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo
Texas Tech University (Ecuador)
pablo.95jaramillo@gmail.com · https://orcid.org/https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3941-4935
ABSTRACT: Psychosocial aspects are emotions or behaviors that affect an individual's well-being and at the same time influence the moment of making decisions or performing an activity. The objective of this study was to identify the psychosocial aspects in the personal, social, and material spheres that influence the participation of women in community enterprises in the Namasigüe River Sub-basin, Honduras. Methodology: The 38 women had a common interest in being part of the establishment of a fruit processing plant. For this exploratory study, information was collected through a survey containing 11 demographic questions, 52 Likert-type questions, and 33 questions related to domestic violence, entrepreneurship participation, and migration. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and it was identified that, within the personal dimension, the psychosocial aspect that positively influences the obtaining of knowledge and negative self-marginalization. Results: In the social dimension, the positive is gender equality, and the negative is subordination. Finally, in the material sphere, the positive is personal fulfillment, and the negative is self-marginalization. Discussion: Psychosocial aspects can positively or negatively impact rural women participating in community enterprises. Therefore, they play a fundamental role in the adoption of community projects. Conclusion: To strengthen community enterprises, it is necessary to work under a family approach in this way, women reduce the impacts and negative psychosocial aspects, and their level of empowerment is improved.
Keywords: community transformation, development, female empowerment, gender, psychological dimension
Aspectos psicosociales que influyen en la participación de mujeres rurales de Honduras en emprendimientos comunitarios
RESUMEN: Los aspectos psicosociales son emociones o comportamientos que afectan el bienestar de un individuo y que a la vez influyen en el momento de tomar decisiones o realizar alguna actividad. Para este estudio se tomó en consideración tener como objetivo identificar los aspectos psicosociales en el ámbito personal, social y material que influyen en la participación de mujeres en emprendimientos comunitarios en la Subcuenca del Río Namasigüe, Honduras. Metodología: Las 38 mujeres tenían el interés en común de ser parte del establecimiento de una planta procesadora de frutas. Para este estudio exploratorio, la información se recolectó a través de una encuesta que contenía 11 preguntas demográficas 52 preguntas tipo “Likert” y 33 preguntas relacionadas con violencia doméstica, participación en emprendimientos y migración. Resultados: Mediante un análisis descriptivo se identificó que las mujeres percibieron que la adquisición de conocimiento, autoconfianza, equidad de género, empoderamiento económico y realización personal son aspectos psicosociales que influyen positivamente para la participación en emprendimientos comunitarios. Mientras que, la automarginación, la subordinación, la cultura patriarcal y la desintegración familiar tienen un impacto negativo en dicha participación. Discusión: La percepción de aspectos psicosociales relacionados con la participación en emprendimientos comunitarios juega un papel fundamental en la aceptación de proyectos comunitarios que impulsan la creación de negocios liderados por mujeres. Conclusiones: Para potenciar los emprendimientos comunitarios es esencial adoptar un enfoque familiar. De este modo, se disminuyen aspectos psicosociales negativos, y las mujeres experimentan un fortalecimiento en su participación empresarial
Palabras clave: desarrollo, dimensión psicológica, empoderamiento femenino, género, transformación comunitaria
Introduction
Women's participation in community ventures is influenced by psychosocial aspects (Cruz, 2016). These psychosocial aspects are manifested through emotions and behaviors (Castrillón y Alzate, 2016). Madrid (2017) grouped these psychosocial aspects into three fundamental dimensions: personal, social and material. The personal dimension includes self-marginalization, self-confidence, autonomy, self-fulfillment, as well as discrimination, oppression, subordination and gender inequality (Álvarez, 2015; Dakduk, 2010; De Gorgue y Gálvez, 2017; Duarte y García-Horta, 2016). On the other hand, in the social dimension, psychosocial aspects associated with self-esteem, educational level and family support are emphasized (Madrid, 2017). They also emphasized the importance of taking into account psychosocial aspects related to cultural beliefs in this dimension, Cortés et al. (2008) emphasized the importance of taking into account the psychosocial aspects related to cultural beliefs in this dimension. In the material or economic dimension, psychosocial aspects related to income (because it generates financial independence), self-image, family dynamics, social status and work responsibilities are recognized (Banda et al., 2013; Cavieres et al., 2020; Cortés et al., 2008; Díaz y Carrasco, 2018; Segura-Barón et al., 2019; Viadana et al., 2016)
According to the Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (2016) and Noa (2019) psychosocial aspects have the capacity to provoke exclusion and discrimination based on race and gender. An example of this is the social expectation that women take care of household chores and child rearing (Burín et al., 1990)this contributes to women facing a greater number of distressing situations compared to men (Mouriño y Viniegra, 1991). Because women have less time and resources to devote to other areas of their lives, they become more susceptible to inequalities in the workplace, in education and in the expression of their opinions in public spaces. These situations have a negative impact on their psychosocial well-being.
Women participate in the development of community enterprises, and this participation is attributed, at least in part, to female empowerment (Barrera-Bassols, 2006; Larson et al., 2019). In the context of this study, female empowerment is defined as a process in which women's abilities are strengthened, so that they do not feel limited, but become protagonists in decision-making in enterprises. At the same time, there is an internal valuation relevance on the part of women. It is therefore necessary to empower women so that they can have the freedom to participate in different activities that provide them with an economic income and thus promote the objectives of sustainable development and respect for human rights (Saavedra y Camarena, 2018).
Although Honduras has made some progress in gender development, it still faces notable challenges. In 2015, the country registered a gender development index of 0.942, the lowest in the Central American region (Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo, 2016). This figure showed a considerable gap in progress toward gender equity. However, it is relevant to note that Honduran women represent approximately 42% of the active labor force, playing a crucial role as economic drivers in the country (Banco Mundial, 2017). Therefore, it is necessary to carry out projects with more solid approaches to strengthen women's empowerment in Honduras and reduce existing gaps in gender development.
The study conducted by Larson et al. (2019) in the western region of Honduras addressed the conditions of empowerment of Honduran women in relation to key dimensions and the extent to which empowerment is related to food security and dietary diversity. The results of the study indicated that dimensions related to restrictions in access to goods, credit and income have a negative impact on women's empowerment. Larson et al. (2019) noted the need for more detailed research to thoroughly understand the drivers of women's empowerment in the agricultural sector.
Therefore, this study was conducted in collaboration with the Women's Network of the municipalities of Namasigüe and Santa Ana de Yusguare, located in Choluteca, Honduras. The main purpose of this research was to identify perceptions about the psychosocial aspects that influence women's participation in entrepreneurship in the sub-basin of the Namasigüe River in southern Honduras. To this end, we sought to describe the perceptions of the positive and negative impacts at the family level of the participation of women exposed to new ventures. The reasons why women feel they face obstacles to their empowerment in social, economic, political and cultural aspects were also determined. Finally, the psychosocial aspects linked to the personal, social and material dimensions that most influence women's participation in decision-making in new ventures were identified.
Method
In order to carry out this descriptive-exploratory qualitative study, visits were made to the community of Namasigüe in February 2020. The purpose of these visits was to establish interactions and build trust with the women belonging to the Women's Network of the Namasigue River Sub-basin. These women have received technical support from development programs: DEIT SUR, Water Governance and EmpoDeraT. All initiatives are funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
For the selection of the target group of the study, the snowball technique was used, locating the active women of the Network. Thirty-eight women participated (eight women from the municipality of Santa Ana and 30 women from the municipality of Namasigüe), who responded by telephone to a survey with 11 questions on demographic aspects of the participants and 52 five-choice Likert-type questions to measure attitudes such as agreement or disagreement on the psychosocial aspects that influence participation in community enterprises. The remaining 33 questions were related to aspects of domestic violence, participation in entrepreneurship and migration of women in the municipalities of Santa Ana de Yusguare and Namasigüe. The survey was conducted by telephone because Honduras was declared in a state of total quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic and there were movement restrictions.
For the construction of the survey, a literature review was carried out to ensure that the questions were supported by information from previous studies or identification of similar questionnaires. Likewise, it was verified in detail that each question was directly linked to the specific variables to be measured in relation to the research objectives. This contributed to the relevance of each question within the questionnaire. A pilot survey was then prepared and applied to a small group of people and, once the results were obtained, adjustments were made, such as eliminating questions or improving the wording to avoid possible ambiguities in the interpretation of the questions. Once it was ensured that the survey was adapted and ready to collect data effectively, it was applied to the target population.
The data analysis for the description of perceptions of positive and negative impacts at the household level on the participation of women exposed to new ventures was conducted using a narrative approach. Considering the open-ended question, what are the advantages and disadvantages that are reflected in the family when women participate in new ventures? Through this narrative method, we sought to capture holistically the experiences and perspectives of the women participants, thus allowing for a detailed and contextualized understanding of the effects that this participation in entrepreneurship has on the family environment. This narrative method not only provided a qualitative analysis, but also allowed us to give voice to the women as they were protagonists in sharing their experiences. Their narratives were then coded and by identifying similarities in the experiences shared by the participants, the recurrent expressions were grouped together. In this way, it was established that these repetitions represented the positive and negative aspects that influence family dynamics when a woman participates in entrepreneurship.
In order to evaluate the participants' attitude towards psychosocial aspects in the personal, social and economic dimensions, frequency calculations were made. It should be noted that, in order to make these frequencies, the Likert-type questions in the survey that were linked to the psychosocial aspects mentioned by the women in their responses were grouped together. Then, based on the literature reviews previously carried out, these psychosocial aspects were assigned to the corresponding dimensions.
On the other hand, to analyze the different psychosocial aspects related to the personal, social and material dimensions, indicators were constructed for each dimension. In this process, weights were assigned to each response to the Likert questions, where the scale ranged from "Strongly disagree" with a weight of 0, to "Strongly agree" with a weight of 4, and with intermediate values for intermediate responses such as "Disagree", "Neither agree nor disagree" and "Agree". Subsequently, each indicator was converted by adding the frequency of "Likert" responses multiplied by the weight assigned to each question. This method helped with the identification of both positive and negative indicators.
Ethical aspects
At the time of data collection, the women participants were consulted and asked for their authorization for data analysis and subsequent publication of results with the scientific community. Also, the integrity of their answers was ensured, since the information provided during the surveys was transcribed exactly to their original expressions, i.e. no modifications were made. In addition, the objectives of the research and the purpose of the survey were clearly communicated to them, thus establishing total transparency with the participating women of the Network. Once the results of the study were available, they were shared with women from the Network and programs that had technical intervention in the area. This feedback process ensured that participants were informed about the findings, thus fostering a collaborative and participatory approach to the analysis of the results and promoting transparency at all stages of the research.
Results
Eighty-seven percent of the participants were housewives, which they combined with participation in the activities planned by the Women's Network of the Namasigue River sub-basin. In relation to the positive impacts derived from their participation in ventures (Figure 1), women reported significant improvements in the income, health and education of their family members. At the same time, they highlighted an increase in community participation because they are involved in board meetings and school convocations. Knowledge generation was also highlighted, as women acquire knowledge that they then share with other family members, creating a multiplier effect. Likewise, a strengthening of self-esteem was observed, as the women experienced greater self-confidence and overcame the feeling of limitation when expressing themselves in public.
Figure 1
Positive impacts of women's participation in entrepreneurship on the family
The negative impacts that women identified due to their participation in entrepreneurship (Figure 2) are mostly related to discussions at the couple level. The women's partners express disapproval at the idea of their leaving home and being exposed to new contexts, thus generating possible conflicts that may affect family cohesion. In addition, there is evidence of a double workload, as women must fulfill domestic responsibilities and then devote time to the activities of the enterprise, which leads to the perception of neglect of household chores and childcare. Another important aspect is the lack of financial and emotional support from family and partners.
Figure 2
Negative impacts on the family of women's involvement in entrepreneurship
In the study, the women identified six psychosocial aspects that influence attitude toward the personal dimension: 1) self-marginalization, 2) autonomy, 3) self-fulfillment, 4) integration, 5) self-confidence and 6) knowledge. The estimated frequency and percentage of women's responses for each statement related to each psychosocial aspect in the material dimension (Table 1).
Table 1
Frequency and percentage of the psychosocial perception of the personal dimension (n=38)
Psychosocial social aspect / item |
TD + D |
N |
TA+ A n (%) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
n (%) |
n (%) |
|||||
Personal realization | ||||||
I always finish the activities I start |
1 |
2.63 |
2 |
5.26 |
35 |
92.1 |
I am a woman who likes to think of new creative activities |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.36 |
||
Autargination | ||||||
I believe that it is not right to be away from home to attend meetings |
31 |
81.58 |
1 |
2.63 |
6 |
15.78 |
My upbringing at home taught me to stay home alone. |
15 |
39.47 |
1 |
2.63 |
22 |
57.89 |
Women should devote more time to taking care of the house and children |
18 |
47.37 |
10 |
26.32 |
10 |
26.31 |
Self-confidence | ||||||
It is necessary for women to take time for themselves |
2 |
5.26 |
1 |
2.63 |
35 |
92.1 |
I like to make my opinion known to others |
38 |
100 |
||||
A woman can become a good entrepreneur |
38 |
100 |
||||
Autonomy | ||||||
A woman can express her opinion freely |
4 |
10.53 |
3 |
7.89 |
31 |
81.57 |
Making one's own decisions without help from others is important |
10 |
26.32 |
7 |
18.42 |
21 |
55.26 |
I consider that a woman cannot take the initiative at home or outside the home |
30 |
78.95 |
8 |
21.05 |
||
No, I like to participate in activities because I feel that my opinion will not be taken into account |
25 |
65.79 |
13 |
34.21 |
||
I need the approval of another person to feel secure with my decisions |
14 |
36.84 |
3 |
7.89 |
21 |
55.26 |
Knowledge | ||||||
The more education, the better the decisions that are made |
38 |
100 |
||||
Integration | ||||||
I feel good to be part of events and meetings in my locality |
38 |
100 |
||||
I like to participate in cultural events in my community |
2 |
5.26 |
36 |
94.73 |
||
I think that development programs help you to improve as a person. |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.36 |
Note. TD= Strongly Disagree; D= Disagree; N = Neither Agree nor Disagree; TA = Strongly Agree; A= Agree.
Women recognized five psychosocial aspects that influence attitude in the social dimension: 1) patriarchal culture, 2) gender equity, 3) group identity, 4) subordination, 5) valorization and empowerment. The estimated frequency and percentage of women's responses for each statement related to each psychosocial aspect in the social dimension (Table 2).
Table 2
Frequency and percentage of psychosocial perception of the social dimension (n=38)
Psychosocial social aspect / item |
TD + D n (%) |
N n (%) |
TA+ A n (%) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patriarchal culture | ||||||
The man should always be the decision maker in the household |
30 |
78.9 |
5 |
13.15 |
3 |
7.89 |
Gender equity | ||||||
Women should be involved in community decision making. | 38 |
100 |
||||
Group identity | ||||||
I like to participate in activities, programs and meetings on a regular basis |
1 |
2.63 |
1 |
2.63 |
36 |
94.74 |
I teach my children to participate in community activities. |
2 |
5.26 |
36 |
94.74 |
||
Subordination | ||||||
To participate in activities outside the home, I must request permission from my partner/family/parent |
25 |
65.78 |
3 |
7.89 |
10 |
26.32 |
Valorization | ||||||
My work is valued and recognized at home |
4 |
10.52 |
3 |
7.89 |
31 |
81.58 |
My family often values and recognizes the work I do at home. |
9 |
23.64 |
1 |
2.63 |
28 |
73.68 |
My partner/friends/family are okay with me participating in development programs |
1 |
2.63 |
3 |
7.89 |
34 |
89.47 |
Empowerment | ||||||
My opinion is taken into account when making decisions involving the purchase and sale of a family property |
1 |
2.63 |
2 |
5.26 |
35 |
92.11 |
Women are able to hold positions of power in the community |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.37 |
||
Community authorities encourage the participation of women in boards of directors, rural funds or municipal positions. |
3 |
7.89 |
3 |
7.89 |
32 |
84.21 |
I like the fact that women participate in the management of organizations |
38 |
100 |
||||
I can plan activities, contribute to the work at home and also participate in the political and social life of my community. |
1 |
2.63 |
3 |
7.89 |
34 |
89.47 |
Note. TD= Strongly Disagree; D= Disagree; N = Neither Agree nor Disagree; TA = Strongly Agree; A= Agree.
Nine psychosocial aspects that influence the attitude towards the material dimension were identified: 1) self-fulfillment, 2) self-marginalization, 3) subordination, 4) patriarchal culture, 5) disintegration, 6) self-reliance, 7) inclusion, 8) gender equity, and 9) economic independence. The estimated frequency and percentage of women's responses for each statement related to each psychosocial aspect in the material dimension (Table 3).
Table 3
Frequency and percentage of psychosocial perception of the material dimension (n=38)
Psychosocial social aspect / item |
TD + D n (%) |
N n n (%) |
TA+ A n (%) |
|||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Personal realization | ||||||
I feel personal satisfaction in contributing money to my household. |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.37 |
||
I feel good about going out to work outside the home |
38 |
100 |
||||
I would like to work in activities that are not related to the home |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.37 |
||
Autargination | ||||||
A woman's responsibility is to always be at home |
28 |
73.68 |
4 |
10.53 |
6 |
15.79 |
It feels good to stay at home and not go out to work |
23 |
60.53 |
8 |
21.05 |
7 |
18.42 |
Patriarchal culture | ||||||
Do you consider that the father of the family is in charge of providing for the basic needs of his children? |
12 |
31.58 |
12 |
31.58 |
14 |
36.84 |
I like my husband to be the one managing the family income. |
28 |
73.68 |
5 |
13.16 |
5 |
13.16 |
Subordination | ||||||
My partner should always know where I invest the money I earn on my own |
10 |
26.32 |
4 |
10.53 |
24 |
63.16 |
It is important to account for the spending of household money to my family. |
6 |
15.79 |
3 |
7.89 |
29 |
76.32 |
My partner/parent is the sole provider in the household |
22 |
57.89 |
2 |
5.26 |
14 |
36.84 |
I have always had the idea that men are the ones who should be in positions of power |
34 |
89.47 |
2 |
5.26 |
2 |
5.26 |
Gender equity | ||||||
Women should have the same rights when it comes to work |
2 |
5.26 |
36 |
94.74 |
||
Women make better decisions than men |
1 |
2.63 |
16 |
42.11 |
21 |
55.26 |
Women and men in my locality have the same opportunities for work |
16 |
42.11 |
1 |
2.63 |
21 |
55.26 |
Family disintegration | ||||||
The mother of the family is in charge of providing for the basic needs of her children |
13 |
34.21 |
9 |
23.68 |
16 |
42.11 |
Economic independence | ||||||
I have money to meet my personal or self-interest needs (haircut and hair coloring, buy clothes, shoes, accessories, buy something I like, go to the doctor (gynecologist) |
24 |
63.16 |
8 |
21.05 |
6 |
15.79 |
I am happy because I can satisfy personal needs and desires. |
4 |
10.53 |
2 |
5.26 |
32 |
84.21 |
I would like to earn my own money. |
38 |
100 |
||||
Inclusion | ||||||
Women are included in community activities |
1 |
2.63 |
37 |
97.37 |
||
Would like the municipal authorities to participate in community activities |
2 |
5.26 |
36 |
94.74 |
||
Self-confidence | ||||||
I feel good when I make decisions for others for their well-being |
9 |
23.68 |
1 |
2.63 |
28 |
73.68 |
Note. TD= Strongly Disagree; D= Disagree; N = Neither Agree nor Disagree; TA = Strongly Agree; A= Agree.
The psychosocial aspects in the personal dimension that can influence women's participation in entrepreneurship and community development initiatives are knowledge, self-confidence, integration, personal fulfillment, autonomy and self-marginalization (Figure 3). Indicators for psychosocial aspects with an orange hue are considered positive, while those with a green hue are considered negative.
In the context of this study, the main indicator that exerted a significant influence on women's participation at the personal level was intellectual knowledge, linked to the perception that a higher level of education leads to more informed decision making. The second most relevant indicator was self-confidence, evaluated by women's willingness to express their opinions. The third indicator, group integration, was related to the interest of most of the women in participating in community cultural events. The psychosocial aspect of personal fulfillment is associated with a woman's predisposition to conceive and complete new activities. Autonomy was linked to women's ability to freely express their opinions, take the initiative and decide without depending on others. The last indicator, self-marginalization, was constructed based on women's agreement with the idea that they can leave the house to attend meetings without devoting themselves exclusively to caring for the home and children.
Figure 3
Rating assigned for psychosocial aspects related to personal dimension
The psychosocial aspects in the social dimension that can influence women's participation in entrepreneurship and community development initiatives are gender equity, empowerment, group identity, valorization, subordination and patriarchal culture (Figure 4). Indicators linked to psychosocial aspects with a blue hue are considered positive and those with a green hue are considered negative.
The first four psychosocial aspects were evaluated as positive factors, with gender equity standing out within the context of this study as the most influential, as women expressed their agreement with the need to participate in community decision-making. Empowerment is linked to women's perception of their capacity to occupy leadership roles, being considered positive if they have been taken into account in boards of directors and rural cajas, in addition to their willingness to establish conversations with neighbors and actively participate in community activities, including teaching these practices to their children, evidencing the existence of a group identity. Next, it was identified that the next most influential psychosocial aspect was the valuing of women's work in the home. As for the negative indicators, subordination was observed, where women expressed their disagreement with the need to request permission from their partners to attend meetings, preferring to inform rather than request permission. The next negative indicator was patriarchal culture, in which women expressed their disagreement with the idea that men should always be the ones to make decisions in the home.
Figure 4
Rating assigned for psychosocial aspects related to the social dimension
The psychosocial aspects in the material dimension (Figure 5) that may influence women's participation in entrepreneurship and community development initiatives are personal fulfillment, inclusion, economic independence, self-marginalization, self-confidence, patriarchal culture, gender equity, family disintegration and subordination. The indicators associated with psychosocial aspects with pink shades are considered positive and green shades negative.
Within the framework of this research, it was identified that the psychosocial aspect that exerts the greatest influence on the material condition is personal fulfillment. As a second indicator, social inclusion was considered, which reflects women's sense of participation in various community activities. Economic independence emerged as another relevant aspect, since women perceive the generation of their own income as a personal achievement. Self-marginalization was evaluated negatively, as it hinders women's participation in entrepreneurship. The next indicator was self-confidence, constructed from the perception that women experience well-being when looking out for the well-being of others. The psychosocial aspect related to the patriarchal culture was associated with women's disagreement that their husbands should be the ones to manage the family income. The seventh indicator was gender equity; in this study, women considered that they should have the same rights as men when working. The last two indicators were classified as negative, the first being family disintegration, where women expressed their agreement in assuming the responsibility of providing for the basic needs of their children. The next indicator was subordination, which was constructed by considering the degree of women's agreement with the idea of being accountable for spending money to their husbands and families.
Figure 5
Value assigned for psychosocial aspects related to the material dimension
Discussion and conclusions
Finally, the conclusions of the article will be presented in a last section, followed by the main conclusions. Where appropriate, limitations and proposals for continuity will be included. Perceptions of the positive impacts of women's participation in new ventures highlight significant benefits that directly affect various aspects of life. First, an increase in household income not only brings a quantitative improvement, but also positively influences the quality of life of family members by providing additional resources to cover essential needs and facilitating access to development opportunities (Quintero y Velásquez, 2020). Likewise, participation in community activities strengthens women's presence in local administrative positions and boosts their decision-making capacity (Barbagelata, 2019; García-Solarte et al., 2017). This involvement not only contributes to individual women's empowerment, but also has the potential to positively influence gender dynamics and representation at the local level. The empowerment of women, highlighted by Zambrano et al. (2019) and Mejía et al. (2020)emerges as a crucial component because it provides knowledge that favors decision-making, effective conflict management and generates a multiplier effect by sharing this knowledge with other members, increasing awareness and improving communication and women's leadership, creating an environment conducive to collective growth and development. Paz y Espinosa (2019) indicated that participation in community entrepreneurship is associated with a significant improvement in women's self-esteem. This psychological strengthening gives them the confidence to express their opinions and to trust their own judgment (Méndez y Valenzuela, 2019).
In contrast, perceptions of the negative impacts of women's participation in entrepreneurship reveal challenges and obstacles to overcome. The study by Barrera-Bassols (2006) noted that some men prevent women from engaging in activities outside the home, even going so far as to display physical violence. This reality underscores the need to address entrenched gender dynamics that limit women's autonomy in decision-making related to their participation in entrepreneurship. The importance of involving couples in information sessions on entrepreneurship projects as a preventive measure against possible discordance stands out as a crucial finding. This approach, pointed out by Paz y Espinosa (2019)the approach highlighted by the World Bank, highlights the need to generate awareness and understanding at the family level in order to foster more effective support for women's entrepreneurial aspirations. Cortez (2018) and Bustos y Villagrán (2019) highlighted the relevance of promoting family environments for the development of entrepreneurship, given that the influence of family support influences decision making and the growth of entrepreneurship. Cortez (2018) mentioned that 84.5% of the participants in his study considered that family support plays a fundamental role in conducting entrepreneurial businesses. At the same time, the identification of a double workday, ranging from domestic tasks to those related to entrepreneurship, highlights the work overload experienced by the women participants. As well as, childcare and household responsibilities are actions that hinder women's active participation in entrepreneurship (Barbagelata, 2019; Bustos y Villagrán, 2019). According to García (2016) these situations pose significant challenges in time management and reconciling responsibilities, which can negatively affect personal well-being as well as the effectiveness of business development. Therefore, it is proposed to design development programs that offer solutions for child care during training in order to eliminate barriers and facilitate the effective participation of women in entrepreneurial initiatives.
Perception and identification of psychosocial aspects related to the personal dimension: According to, Mejía et al. (2020) women who demonstrate creativity are more likely to be successful in the entrepreneurial arena. However, despite this potential, women have traditionally been conditioned to remain in domestic roles... (Barrera-Bassols, 2006). Activity that according to Sebastián et al. (1990) is under-recognized, and this has an impact on women's self-esteem. However, De Gorgue y Gálvez (2017) however, they mentioned that women develop a higher level of self-confidence when they are able to convey their ideas. According to Briseño et al. (2016) this is because women feel useful in helping others, which contributes to the strengthening of self-confidence. Manzanera et al. (2016); De Gorgue y Gálvez (2017) and Mejía et al. (2020) mentioned that work should be done on the development of social relationships, since this is a way to encourage women's participation in entrepreneurship, and develop skills to face challenges and failures. However, the inclusion of more anthropological, sociological and historical variables is considered necessary. If women lack self-confidence, there is a risk that they will not make their own independent decisions (Álvarez, 2015).
Sabater (2018) highlights that women tend to be highly responsible when facing financial obligations, which positions them as good managers and, therefore, competent entrepreneurs. Women recognize that the development projects strengthen their entrepreneurial and communication skills and that through their gender training they raise awareness of their rights (Arenas et al., 2011; Cortés et al., 2008; Paz y Espinosa, 2019).
Perception and identification of psychosocial aspects related to the social dimension: In ancient times, women felt obliged to ask their partners for permission to go out or participate in activities (Pérez, 2015). However, Salas et al. (2018) mentioned that when the current woman wishes to participate in community activities she does not approach it as a request for permission from her partner, but rather as an informed communication. This transformation in thinking reflects a change in gender perceptions and roles, highlighting the autonomy and independent decision-making of women today. Although, studies of Bautista y Juárez (2016); Covarrubias Feregrino (2016) and Lamiño Jaramillo et al. (2022) determined that women have little participation at the community level because their husbands do not allow them to leave their homes or because of a series of factors interrelated to stereotypes, lack of access to education, resources, cultural norms and domestic responsibilities. Massolo (2006) and García (2016) mentioned that it is necessary for rural women to have the opportunity to participate in decision making and to develop interactive skills at the social and cultural levels. However, Arenas et al. (2011) stressed that even when women have opportunities to participate in community activities, they are not exempt from being excluded from benefits or facing gender inequality.
Over time, women are taking over positions where community decision-making is required (Barrera-Bassols, 2006). Dakduk (2010) considered that this is due to the fact that, over time, the patriarchal culture has been reduced instead of the patriarchal culture, and that both women and men are capable of making good or bad decisions García-Solarte et al. (2017) mentioned that both women and men are capable of making good or bad decisions.
Perception and identification of psychosocial aspects related to the material dimension: Women who have experienced generating their own income outside the home feel personal satisfaction in contributing financially to the household (Cortés et al., 2008). Mainly because they perceive themselves as responsible for meeting their children's needs. However, Martínez y Vallejo (2017), Castillo y Merino (2018) and Jaramillo et al. (2022) mentioned that, this dynamic is more prevalent in households where family disintegration has occurred, either due to abandonment, lack of communication between partners or problems related to vices on the part of the man or head of household. Therefore, such scenarios cause women to feel pressured and take on the role of the father in the home (Cortés et al., 2008; Salazar, 2019). But, even in the absence of family disintegration, it is important to note that women continue to prioritize the welfare of other household members over their own... (Quintero y Velásquez, 2020). This is consistent with De Gorgue y Gálvez (2017) those who emphasized that women experience well-being when exerting influence on other people.
The conclusions derived from this study reveal that women identify negative psychosocial aspects associated with the family that negatively affect their participation in entrepreneurship. In this sense, the importance of involving the other members of the family to strengthen community enterprises is emphasized. This strategy can be effective in reducing problems such as family disintegration and the workload for women, while at the same time promoting women's empowerment through perceived family support. In addition, it is emphasized that community enterprises need to foster psychosocial aspects that promote inclusion, economic independence, January equity, empowerment and self-confidence. The relevance of having a thorough knowledge of the needs of the group of women to be benefited stands out as a critical component in the formulation of community projects. This perspective ensures the development of initiatives with a more significant impact on the personal, social and economic dimensions. In view of the above, it is proposed to carry out a study to identify the most appropriate alternatives to improve the psychosocial aspects and raise the level of women's empowerment in the implementation of community enterprises.
Acknowledgments
Special thanks are extended to the members of the Empoderamiento Transformativo con Enfoque Psicosocial/EmpoderaT program, which works under funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (COSUDE) for providing financial support for the first visits to the group of the Women's Network of the Namasigüe River Sub-basin.
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