In most countries enterprises are classified as large, medium, small and micro-enterprises depending upon the locally agreed definitions. The most commonly used criterion for these definitions is the number of persons employed. This small number of large enterprises, however, employs a large proportion of the work force. The different categories are also interdependent. In addition, linkages between these enterprises are encouraged and promoted in many economies.
Many women operate in low-value business sectors and they proliferate in the informal sector.
The ILO has been addressing these important questions in its programmes to assist women in management development and entrepreneurship. A strong political commitment to promote and support women entrepreneurs exists and is allied to the right conducive policies and effectively implemented with adequate resources. This framework has increasingly informed ILO's work in promoting management development and entrepreneurship for women. ILO's contribution Different actions have been taken to assist women at these different levels. A policy framework to promote management development and entrepreneurship for women must be supported by the necessary institutional change and matched with adequate resources if it is to be effective.