What Decides Women Entrepreneurship in India?

Abstract

The available research literature considers women entrepreneurship as a source of economic growth and women empowerment. Entrepreneurship is credited for increases in chances of participation of women in economic growth and their overall empowerment. The present study serves two objectives. First, it highlights the recent trend and progress of women entrepreneurship in India. Second, it identifies the determinants of women entrepreneurship in the country. The study reveals the spatial concentration of women enterprises. It discusses the common problems of women entrepreneurship in the country. The results of the regression analysis reveal that female labour force participation rate, affordable credit and women’s participation in decision-making are significant factors that enhance entrepreneurship for women. Female literacy rate, despite being widely accepted as an important determinant of women entrepreneurship, is found to be statistically insignificant for women entrepreneurship. Any considerable relation could not be established between physical infrastructure and women entrepreneurship.