Comparative evaluation of the violet economy in entrepreneurship in the Metropolitan District of Quito: Improvements and challenges for the years 2023 and 2024

Abstract

The conditions of inequality that women face in the labor market are evident in reduced income, deterioration of household living conditions, increased poverty, and scarcity of opportunities, compromising inclusive growth for women in the labor, social, and economic spheres, directly affecting their households. The objective of the research was to determine the current perception of the purple economy through two measurements. The first was conducted in June 2023, considering 450 surveys, and the second measurement was carried out in June 2024, with a similar number. The population consisted solely of women engaged in economic activities related to entrepreneurship. Using a descriptive methodology that involved surveying perceptions regarding five aspects of the purple economy through the survey technique. The information collection strategy involved twenty-four visits to commercial establishments within the popular and solidarity economy system in the northern and southern parts of the city of Quito.

The main results show that in 2024, there was a significant increase in the perception of support received, mainly regarding access to financing. Among the most relevant conclusions, it can be highlighted that, although public policies aimed at strengthening female entrepreneurship have had a positive impact in the past year, there is still a large proportion of enterprises that have not benefited from this state policy. It is important to formalize these economic activities so that they can access these benefits.