Women Owned MSMEs in the Greater Male’ Region: An Exploratory Study on Their Level of Economic Empowerment

Abstract

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a flourishing sector in the Maldives, with a significant number of women participating in such businesses to support their livelihoods. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact MSMEs have on women’s economic empowerment in the Greater Male’ Region (GMR) and describe the challenges faced by women to maintain and expand their businesses. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with 15 women who own a registered business in GMR, and common patterns in datasets were identified using a thematic analysis. Similar to the literature reviewed, women face several challenges in acquiring resources for business operations and face limitations due to factors affecting their level of economic empowerment. The findings show that although factors affecting economic empowerment are not fully achieved, women continue to overcome hurdles given the financial benefits and individual autonomy they gain by being a part of this sector.