Iranian Women Entrepreneurs Living in Iran

Abstract

This chapter introduces and examines the cases of seven award-winning, role-model Iranian women entrepreneurs who are successfully running their businesses in Iran. The women entrepreneurs featured here come from a wide range of age groups and educational/socio-economic backgrounds, representing a diverse array of industries in urban and rural areas of Iran. They exemplify how big dreams can turn into reality through persistence, dedication, and unwavering determination. They challenge barriers, learn from their failures, and take courageous steps to change the stereotypes about women entrepreneurs even in a traditional society. These women are mainly involved in culturally male-dominated fields, including knowledge based business services, international transportation, mining, recycling and composting, auto parts and gas valves manufacturing, livestock husbandry and anthemia herb production. The case study of these women describes their background, dreams, motivations, challenges and success in their entrepreneurial journey. Each story explores an insight into a different dimension of entrepreneurship and incorporates entrepreneurship and poverty reduction, philanthropy, knowledge-based technology, technology transfer, and environmental protection.