This edition presents to the Greek scientific community and policymakers the results of the transnational action program "Encouraging Women to Actively Exercise Their Ownership in Business and Agriculture" (Women Towards Ownership in Business and Agriculture).

The aim of the program was, within the framework of policies to promote women in economic decision-making centers, to encourage women to actively exercise the rights arising from ownership ("active ownership") that they may have in the fields of business and agriculture.

The program was funded by the European Commission (Community Strategy - Framework for Gender Equality 2001-2005). Policy makers and research centers from Norway, Latvia, Iceland, and Sweden participated in the program. The Greek segment was implemented by the KEMOKOP of Panteion University in cooperation with a research team that undertook the writing of the chapters of this edition.

This edition captures, analyzes, and discusses the available quantitative and qualitative data regarding women's entrepreneurship in manufacturing, services, and agricultural production. Emphasis is placed on the conditions for women's access to business ownership and particularly on the extent to which those who gain access actually exercise the rights that arise from it.

Additionally, the institutional, social, and economic barriers faced by women who wish to take an active role as owners are explored, and suggestions are made for improving existing policies and developing new ones aimed at reducing these barriers.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]