15_jwe_1-2


 

 
 
 
 

Preface 
 
 

Welcome to the special edition of the Journal of Women’s Entrepreneurship 
and Education (JWE). I am excited about this edition for a couple of reasons.  

First, the quality of the articles highlights the various innovative ways women 
owned businesses are successfully dealing with the current economic changes, 
especially after the great world recession of 2007-2009. Their business concepts 
and venture creation processes are more competitive than ever.  

Secondly, the women’s stories and insights on their businesses, displayed in 
the studies showcased in this edition, help to ‘slay the sacred cow’, in the words of 
Roger Von Oech in his work on creativity and innovation. “Sacred cows’ are ideas 
that are never challenged and are perpetuated, even though they no longer work. 
Women business are ‘slaying the sacred cows’ of gender inequality and 
stereotyping in entrepreneurship. This JWE issue proves just that. Women are 
continuously launching new enterprises in all industries and are greatly 
contributing to the wealth of global markets. Although specific socio cultural 
dimensions still greatly impact on their businesses ventures, these dimensions have 
been positively related to the women’s “images of success” of their businesses. 

I am certain that you will find this special edition informative and fascinating.  
Enjoy it! 
 

Dr. Neila A. Holland 
Stratford University, USA 
Guest editor, Journal of Women’s Entrepreneurship and Education