The need for an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for women with disability in Pakistan

Abstract

Despite the fact women with disability constitute more than 50% of the total disabled population in Pakistan, there has been little research on this marginalized population and thus underappreciation of their contribution towards economic output. Recognizing that entrepreneurship is a pathway for empowerment and independence for women with disability, this chapter aims to discuss the entrepreneurial environment for women with disability in the context of Pakistan. Undertaking the entrepreneurial ecosystem framework, this chapter calls attention to the factors that impact entrepreneurial women with disability in pursuing their entrepreneurial efforts. Drawing excerpts from the narrative of disability rights activist and entrepreneur, Tanzila Khan, this chapter discusses how disabled women navigate in their entrepreneurial journey.