Roadmap to improve the business environment for women entrepreneurs

Context

Despite notable progress, women entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic continue to face significant structural barriers that limit their participation in the formal economy. These include limited access to finance, unequal distribution of unpaid care responsibilities, gender-based stereotypes, restricted market access, and a lack of representation in leadership roles. These challenges not only hinder women’s economic autonomy but also constrain broader national development. In response, the Ministry of Women requested support through the ICR Facility to conduct a diagnostic assessment and develop a structured mechanism for public-private dialogue. This initiative aims to inform evidence-based policymaking, close gender gaps in the business environment, and contribute to inclusive economic growth aligned with national and international development goals.

Objectives

This project aims to support the Ministry of Women in the Dominican Republic by providing targeted technical assistance to identify and address the structural barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly those leading micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). By developing a tailored public-private dialogue mechanism and an actionable roadmap, the initiative seeks to promote inclusive economic policies, foster equitable access to resources and opportunities, and strengthen the institutional framework for gender equality. The ultimate goal is to enhance women’s full participation in the country’s economic life, in alignment with national development strategies and global sustainable development goals.

Results

This intervention supported the creation of a more inclusive and equitable business environment in the Dominican Republic by placing women’s economic empowerment at the center of dialogue and action. Through a participatory process that included focus groups with women entrepreneurs, in-depth interviews with public and private stakeholders, and diagnostic and validation workshops, the initiative identified key barriers faced by women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). It culminated in the development of a national roadmap co-created with over 101 stakeholders, ranging from government ministries, private sector entities to civil society and academia.

The roadmap outlines concrete, prioritised actions to address these barriers and is designed to serve as a tool for sustained public-private dialogue. The process not only strengthens institutional capacity, but also built momentum and shared ownership among actors across sectors. With strong interest from all stakeholders involved, including the Ministry of Women and the European Union Delegation, this intervention has laid a foundation for future reforms that can expand economic opportunities for women and foster a more gender-responsive business ecosystem in the country.

Thanks to ICR support the Ministry of Women has been able to close the gap between the banking sector and women farmers. The project facilitated partnerships between banks and rural women’s groups, leading to several “bank days” in remote areas. So far, more than 340 women have now gained access to the banking system for the first time in their lives – a milestone in a country where rural women have historically been excluded from the formal financial system.

“Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Women of the Dominican Republic [and the ICR Facility], 345 women are now part of the formal banking system. Many women have also had access to credit, and many have been trained in financial management and separation.”

Alicia Rojas

Secretary for Women's Affairs of the Dominican Peasant Movement

Peer-to-Peer Exchange on the Care Economy

The ICR Facility, in partnership with the Ministerio de la Mujer in the Dominican Republic and the Department of Gender Affairs of Saint Lucia has carried out a two days peer-to-peer (P2P) exchange and BER4WEE training.

The focus: Tackling the challenges and exploring socio-economic opportunities related to the care economy.

This activity allowed policymakers, civil society and private sector representatives from both countries to exchange, share ideas and discuss on targeted solutions.

The second day event was opened by the HM. Mayra Jiménez, joined by Katrin Werdermann de Rodríguez, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Santo Domingo, and by Melvin Asin, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to the Dominican Republic.
A field visit organised by CONAPE to an elderly day care centre provided an additional opportunity to deepen the discussions among representatives of both Saint Lucia and the Dominican Republic on the implementation of care policies.

Learn about our intervention in Saint Lucia here.

"Identifying the challenges and potential solutions for a fairer care economy contributes to greater gender equality - a key element for the economic development of any country."

Katrin Werdermann de Rodríguez

Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Santo Domingo,

"What Saint Lucia has achieved with its national care policy, and the path that the Dominican Republic is taking in the construction of its national system, are clear examples of what can be achieved when there is political commitment, collaboration among actors and participation of civil society."

Melvin Asin

Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to the Dominican Republic.

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This intervention took place under ICR Facility project, co-funded by the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), together with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the British Council. The ICR Facility was implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (German Development Cooperation, GIZ), the British Council, Expertise France, and Stichting Nederlandse Ontwikkelingsorganisatie (Netherlands Development Organisation, SNV).