ABSTRACT
The micro-level factors were found to enable female entrepreneurs to overcome macro-level challenges. This chapter discusses two main factors based on the analysis of the data. The first are the micro-level factors; opportunity, motivations, financing and performance. The second are the macro-level challenging factors; political, government and economic, regulatory, normative and financial institutions. Media and educational institutions have a role in changing perceptions about the value of entrepreneurship as a career choice for women. The chapter explores the key challenges confronting female entrepreneur in the Palestinian and Saudi Arabian context. Saudi Arabia and Palestine were selected as transitioning Arab societies, as they are deemed to be engaged in the management of planned change, with many commonalities, yet the business and social environments are very different. Political agreements between different Gulf States influenced the motivation of Saudi women to undertake new ventures because there were no other options available. Access to venture capital was stated as another challenge to women entrepreneurs.
