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Deakin Women and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Hub
Empowering women and vulnerable entrepreneurs to succeed in business
How our research supports inclusive entrepreneurship
The Deakin Women and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Hub is a collaborative partnership between Deakin Business School and Symbiosis International University, India. The Hub also includes international academic members from leading global institutions, such as NEOMA Business School, Lund University, and Lancaster University, creating a truly global network of expertise and impact. We provide a platform for academics and researchers in Australia and internationally to conduct purpose-driven, solution-focused and impactful research that addresses current and emerging challenges within entrepreneurship, innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.
Our mission
International and Interdisciplinary research network leveraging academic excellence to address pressing social issues related to women and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Our vision
Our Hub empowers researchers in the areas of women and inclusive entrepreneurship by fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment that nurtures new ideas, projects and funding opportunities.
Our research areas
Our focus is on women entrepreneurs along with those who face multifaceted challenges, including economic, sociocultural, cognitive, physical and emotional obstacles. We conduct research across the following areas:
- women/gender aspects of entrepreneurship
- inclusive entrepreneurship
- social entrepreneurship
- entrepreneurial wellbeing
- innovation and creativity
- vulnerable, disadvantaged or underdog entrepreneurs – who face economic, sociocultural, cognitive, physical and emotional challenges
- entrepreneurial behaviour and emotions
- informal entrepreneurship
Become a leader in business
Study a PhD at Deakin Business School and contribute to research that connects with industry to innovate the future of business.
Our team
The Deakin Women and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Hub brings together expertise from researchers and industry leaders to enhance theoretical and practical knowledge, informing policy and industry practices while advancing a deeper understanding of how entrepreneurial endeavours can benefit individuals and society.
Meet our directors
Associate Professor Dhara Shah is the director of the Deakin Women and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Hub and director of partnerships and engagement for public sector with the Deakin Business School. She is an interdisciplinary, innovative academic and an expert in gender equality, women and underdog entrepreneurship, career growth, expatriation and inclusive leadership.
Dr Rakesh Pati is a senior lecturer and the deputy director of the Deakin Women and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Hub. Rakesh’s research and teaching interests are in the areas of Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
Deakin University members
Alfred Presbitero, Associate Professor, Associate Head of School, Teaching & Learning, Postgraduate, Deakin Business School
Sam Tavassoli, Associate Professor,Deakin Business School
Andries Baeken, Lecturer, Deakin Business School
Shea Fan, Associate Professor, Deakin Business School
Fara Azmat, Associate Professor, Director PRME, Deakin Business School
Reza Kachouie, Senior Lecturer, Deakin Business School
Dr Puva P Arumugam Lecturer, Learning Futures, Faculty of Business and Law
Our international partners and members
Symbiosis International University
Madhura Bedarkar, Associate Professor
Akriti Chaubey, Assistant Professor
Neoma Business School
Bisrat A. Misganaw, Associate Professor
Rose Bote, Assistant Professor
Rai Siddhant Sinha, Assistant Professor
Emmanouela Mandalaki, Professor
Lund University, Sten K. Johnson Entrepreneurship Centre
Diamanto Politis, Professor
Marie Lowegren, Senior Lecturer
Jiejie Lyu, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Solomon Akele Abebe, Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Lancaster University, Academy for Gender Equality and Social Justice Research in Organisations
Sophie Alkhaled, Associate Professor
Featured projects
Our projects help women succeed in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Supporting women and underprivileged entrepreneurs
This collaboration between Deakin, Symbiosis, and NEOMA shares Indian, Australian and French expertise to help women and underprivileged entrepreneurs develop sustainable new ventures using lean approaches, and maximising their chances of success through achieving a healthy work-life balance.
Inclusive and transformative leadership development in Indonesia
Aiming to address persistent gender and inclusion gaps in the Indonesian public sector, this DFAT-funded program trained 100 Indonesian public sector leaders in building inclusive leadership capabilities and developing high-performing diverse teams to promote gender equality and social inclusion.
Our partnerships
We work with not-for-profit, philanthropic, government and industry partners, as well as other universities and academic institutions to to investigate entrepreneurship, innovation, inclusive entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. Some of our partners include:
Contact us
Email the team
