Challenges Confronting Women Entrepreneurs: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs encounter several hurdles and barriers that restrict their business success and limit their economic contributions. This qualitative study investigated the specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in district Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, with a focus on their experiences in beginning and establishing businesses. Purposive sampling technique was used for data collection via one-on-one interviews with 11 female entrepreneurs (n=11) from various industries aged between 20 and 65 (M = 33.36, SD = 12.77). Thematic Analysis was employed to analyze the data. Initially, common themes were collected, and these common themes were then examined to identify repeating patterns and superordinate and subordinate themes were extracted from the reduced themes. The findings of the study reveal several key challenges that hinder the entrepreneurial success of women. Cultural factors emerged as significant barriers, with limited support and recognition being a recurring theme.  Cultural barriers such as limited support and recognition, societal biases and resistance from family and community are among these challenges. The findings emphasized the importance of providing targeted support and interventions to overcome these issues and boost the success of women-owned companies. Pakistan can leverage the full potential of women's entrepreneurship for economic growth and development by empowering women entrepreneurs and establishing an enabling environment.