Women Entrepreneurs Research Articles

Am I Successful? An Answer of Women Entrepreneurs

The success of women entrepreneurs is almost uniformly judged by financial criteria. As a result, the so-called underperformance hypothesis is put forward. However, this hypothesis may be ill-founded, and it may serve to reproduce and reinforce myths about women and entrepreneurship. It is important to understand what success means for women entrepreneurs operating in a given socio-economic context before we label them as underperformers. Moreover, although the importance of the contextual approach is recognized, some contexts are under-researched and less visible. Results from North America and Western Europe cannot be replicated in other contexts, especially in developing countries or patriarchal societies. For different contexts, we need new evidence. And this new evidence can make us realize that some concepts need to be revised to capture the collective vision of entrepreneurs. Instead of one paradigm, we should recognize the existence of a diversity of forms, motives, and understanding of success in entrepreneurship, as well as the contexts in which it occurs, to ensure holistic knowledge on entrepreneurship. To respond to these challenges, the research is conducted on a sample of 300 female entrepreneurs in the Republic of Serbia who operate in manufacturing. The respondents were asked to state what business success means to them and then to subjectively assess how successful they are according to the same criteria. In this way, the research results reveal how successful women entrepreneurs are, but measured in a way that reflects their perceptions of success. Results show that the importance that a certain criterion has for female entrepreneurs as an indicator of success is positively related to their success measured by that criterion. Not imposing on women entrepreneurs the usual measures of business success, the paper responds to calls to de-masculinize women’s entrepreneurship research by introducing gender-specific variables and widening the set of measures of success. In doing so, it is placed in specific and under-researched contexts of a developing country and manufacturing industry. In this way, the paper further contributes to the enrichment of the entrepreneurship knowledge base.

Evolution of Women Entrepreneurship in Turkey: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Perspectives

This paper explores the dynamic landscape of women entrepreneurship in Turkey, highlighting its historical roots and the progress made over the decades, while also identifying persisting challenges and emerging opportunities. Women's entrepreneurship in Turkey, historically constrained by social and cultural barriers, has evolved significantly from the Ottoman era to the present day. This evolution has been influenced by major political and economic shifts, including the liberalization policies of the 1980s and recent digital transformations, which have expanded the scope for women's entrepreneurial ventures. Despite these advances, women entrepreneurs continue to face significant hurdles such as access to finance, societal gender roles, and limited networking opportunities. However, evolving government policies, international collaborations, and the increasing digitization of the economy present new opportunities for growth and integration into global markets. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of historical data, current statistics from the Turkish Statistical Institute, and literature reviews to offer a nuanced understanding of the trajectory of women's entrepreneurship. This paper aims to contribute to the discourse on gender equality and economic empowerment in Turkey, providing insights that could inform policy and entrepreneurial practice in the region.

Roles of financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation in economic empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT Policy makers, particularly in developing countries, view entrepreneurship as a stepping stone for achieving women’s economic empowerment. However, simply attaching women to the labour market and providing them access to financial resources may not transform their economic well-being unless it is accompanied by agencies such as financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation. In this context, we empirically test the seminal theoretical framework of Kabeer (1999) for understanding women empowerment, using primary data for 820 Indian rural women entrepreneurs. Employing alternate empirical specifications and using instrumental variable regression to address the potential endogeneity of financial literacy, we find that financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation play important roles in enhancing financial well-being, our measure of economic empowerment. The results hold even after controlling for the experience of the entrepreneur, family support and strength of social network. The findings call for designing interventions to foster financial literacy among poor women entrepreneurs.

From Potential to Action: Strategies for Supporting Female Founders in the Pre-Start-Up Phase

In today’s global economy, the role of start-ups is recognized as crucial for a country's competitiveness. Creating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem is therefore essential to enable founders to realize their potential optimally. Notably, there is a significant gender disparity in start-ups, suggesting a vast untapped entrepreneurial potential among women. This research aims to enhance the utilization of female start-up potential by providing actionable recommendations, based on an empirical analysis of the pre-start-up process of (potential) female founders. Through a qualitative research methodology, this study investigates the factors influencing women's journey towards entrepreneurship, considering diverse biographies and life situations. Interviews with ten women showed the complexity of the pre-start-up phase and the necessity for a broad support system. The study identifies several key areas for action to foster female entrepreneurship. Firstly, increasing awareness and visibility of self-employment as a viable career path for women is crucial, requiring more female role models and media representation to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes. This could cultivate a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship and sectors with high start-up activity. Moreover, lessening the disproportionate burden of family responsibilities on women is essential, suggesting enhancements in childcare facilities and encouraging shared domestic duties. The research further suggests the implementation of support programs to reduce barriers and provide a realistic view of entrepreneurship, alongside the potential benefits of mentorship in both pre- and post-start-up phases. Women's risk-averse, cautious approach in the pre-start-up process often leads to hesitance in developing innovative projects. Encouraging a focus on market needs and early engagement with potential customers, alongside proactive network building, seeking co-founders, or outsourcing, can address knowledge gaps and reduce uncertainties, making self-employment a more attractive option. This study emphasizes the importance of a collaborative effort among various stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to unlock the entrepreneurial potential among women.

The everyday female entrepreneur and the pursuit of emancipation

PurposeThis study takes an “entrepreneurship as emancipation” perspective to study entrepreneurs defined as “others” on multiple categories: women entrepreneurs whose ventures are necessity-based, bootstrapped and located in economically impoverished areas (neighborhoods) in two Latin-American countries: Chile and Peru.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes an interpretivist research approach and analyses inductively interviews with women entrepreneurs.FindingsThe findings reveal how everyday practices in pursuit of emancipation – while conducted within the existing patriarchal social structure – push the boundaries and contribute to changes in the social system via a variety of outcomes such as intergenerational social mobility, personal fulfilment and strengthening the communities in which the women entrepreneurs operate. Furthermore, while the authors find that in the particular Latin-American context under study, entrepreneuring activities become an emancipatory possibility for the everyday women entrepreneurs, they also highlight a “dark side” of their emancipatory projects.Originality/valueThe study contributes to recent critical studies in entrepreneurship by demonstrating the diversity and importance of the “mundane” activities undertaken by “necessity-based” entrepreneurs, and the significant – yet underappreciated – reach of their ventures’ impact on issues well beyond economic considerations.

EXPRESS: Crowdfunding Success for Female versus Male Entrepreneurs Depends on Whether a Consumer versus Investor Decision Frame Is Salient

Ensuring equal access to entrepreneurship and startup funding for both female and male entrepreneurs is crucial for societal perceptions of justice and long-term prosperity. Previous research presents contrasting findings, with some studies indicating a male advantage and others suggesting a female advantage. This research reconciles these inconsistencies by identifying decision frame as a moderator. Specifically, in crowdfunding contexts, a consumer decision frame leads to stronger reliance on communal evaluation norms, resulting in favoring female entrepreneurs who are perceived as more disadvantaged. Conversely, an investor decision frame leads to stronger reliance on exchange evaluation norms, resulting in favoring male entrepreneurs who are perceived as more determined/passionate. Based on this, the authors propose that the strategic use of an entrepreneur’s profile, activating a specific evaluation norm, or showing crowdfunding dependence, attenuates the differential support for female versus male entrepreneurs, resulting in equal support for both. Results from six studies using a multimethod design provide converging support for this framework. This research is the first to differentiate and directly compare consumer versus investor decision frames, advancing the related literature and offering valuable guidelines for entrepreneurs, funding platforms, and public policymakers.

The Role of NGOS in Promoting Women Entrepreneurship in India

In recent times, the government has realized the importance of entrepreneurship as a prominent alternative to traditional wage employment in the new economy, and its role in increasing the pace of economic growth. Therefore, Indian government has come up with various special policy measures to help women entrepreneurs. there are major limitations among women entrepreneurs in accessing those facilities. These limitations arise due to various factors, such as: lack of awareness, lack of information, difficulty in accessibility of finance, lack of easy access of entrepreneurial training and post training support, lack of market and network support, lack of self-confidence and managerial skills, bureaucratic hassles, lack of transportation mainly in remote areas, restriction of government officials in terms of timing when women also have to perform household activities etc.

Women in mountain tourism: exploring the links between women tourism entrepreneurship and women empowerment in Hunza Valley

ABSTRACT Tourism entrepreneurship is crucial to boosting household income and fostering gender equality in Pakistan. However, the involvement of women in mountain tourism entrepreneurship remains rather limited. This study examines the experiences of women entrepreneurs in the Hunza Valley of Pakistan, highlighting their transformative journey into the tourism market despite facing various obstacles. Through qualitative research involving 24 women-led tourism enterprises, the study illuminates the positive outcomes these women have achieved, including greater control over finances, enhanced decision-making power, boosted self-confidence, expanded networks, and overall societal empowerment. The study also identifies internal and external constraints faced by these entrepreneurs, emphasising the need for immediate policy interventions to support women's entrepreneurship in the region. Recognising the catalytic role these women play in promoting gender equality and social innovation, the study advocates for greater recognition and appreciation of their contributions to inspire other women in the region. Based on the study's findings, a framework for women's tourism entrepreneurship is proposed, emphasising the potential of such initiatives to empower women, drive social change, and foster gender equality in remote mountain regions.

Does Digital Government Transformation Drive Social Inclusion? Evidence from Female Entrepreneurship in China?

Does Digital Government Transformation Drive Social Inclusion? Evidence from Female Entrepreneurship in China?

Participación de las mujeres en las pymes en América del Sur

The crises directly affect the problem of cash flow, as a result of the confinement experienced, the consumption of different products and services showed a tendency to decrease significantly, which had its impact on the financial issue, where the emergency measures were drastic to avoid massive infections, which on the other hand accelerated a great decline in small and medium-sized businesses, which has triggered an increase in unemployment and even their definitive closure. Under this context, in Ecuador, as well as in Mexico, Colombia and Peru, where business ventures have energized the local economy, it is important to determine strategies that help effectively confront crises, especially in the case of women entrepreneurs, so that they can achieve achieve economic stability with a view to its growth and leadership that in turn allows it to generate sources of employment, as well as repower its products and services, which is currently essential for a good quality of life in society, thus empowering women. The methodology applied is with a Mixed, non-experimental, descriptive-transversal and deductive approach. In this sense, it is a matter of research to provide the segment under study with adequate administrative, financial and control strategies; how to handle it and how they should be carried out in the face of the current situation, thus promoting empowerment in unprotected sectors and highlighting, above all, interculturality and diversity in the countries.

Challenges Facing Women Entrepreneurship: A Developing Country Perspective

This article examines the challenges faced by women entrepreneurship in Kampala City, Uganda. Our main objective was to investigate the impediments to the growth of businesses owned by women. We adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach for the study in order to get an in-depth understanding of impediments to the growth of businesses owned by women. Random purposeful sampling was used to select 13 women entrepreneurs. The results indicate that competition, liquidities and financial challenges, discouragement by men, discrimination, limited family support, harassment, limited business time, lack of trainings and poor business location are the major challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Kampala, Uganda. The study provides a significant contribution to the already existing literature on women entrepreneurship by providing initial evidence of the practical challenges they face as entrepreneurs using evidence from a developing country—Uganda. Besides, the study suggests the need to provide more entrepreneurial skills to women to enable them to manage their businesses appropriately. Also, women need to be empowered to easily access finances to help them boost their businesses to trade globally.

INFLUENCE OF SOCIETAL NORMS ON THE MOTIVATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN HARYANA’S MSMES

Within the context of present-day culture, the concept of a "competent woman" has undergone substantial transformation, surpassing conventional stereotypes and encompassing attributes such as self-reliance, perseverance, and resolve. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of societal norms on the incentives and problems encountered by female entrepreneurs operating within micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state of Haryana. In this study, a quantitative researchis utilised, focussing on a sample of 369 female entrepreneurs from Rohtak. Regression analysis is employed to evaluate the relationship between societal norms and entrepreneurial outcomes. The findings indicate that societal norms account for approximately 65% of the heterogeneity observed in the incentives and obstacles encountered by these entrepreneurs. The findings demonstrate a statistically significant and positive correlation, wherein cultural standards exert an influence on both the motives and difficulties experienced. The present study provides significant contributions to the understanding of social issues that impact women entrepreneurs. Additionally, it offers recommendations for the development of tailored support structures aimed at cultivating a more inclusive entrepreneurial climate in the region of Haryana.

Problems and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship serves as a catalyst of economic development of the country. It is one of the largest sections for capital accumulation. In fact economic growth is the result of the efforts taken by the entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs play an important role in the economic and social development of the nation. Women entrepreneurs are also giving a partial role in this field. Now a day, society gives a better socio economic status to women. The State and Central Government has been introduced various schemes and empowerment programs to promote them to sustain in good working conditions of women enterprise. At present, the number of women entrepreneurs in Tamilnadu is low. If the Government takes necessary promotional measures, the number will rise into an indefinite in future and they can contribute much for the entrepreneurial growth of Tamilnadu. Mostly the women are producing home need items, and this type of essentials & food items. These opportunities can be further applied for the growth of Tamilnadu’s entrepreneurship and the future of women entrepreneur will be an asset for the growth of our state. This study helps to find out the various problems faced by women Entrepreneurs in Coimbatore District. The details are directly collected from women entrepreneurs to observe their problems.

Exploring the interplay of migrant entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence and social integration of marriage migrant women in South Korea

This research explores the role of entrepreneurship and emotional intelligence in the social integration of female marriage migrants who are entrepreneurs in South Korea. A qualitative research design was employed to gather data from 32 female marriage migrant entrepreneurs in South Korea through snowball sampling. The main findings revealed that they encountered enormous challenges at various stages of their entrepreneurship, but emotional intelligence played an essential role in their business success. This study demonstrates that entrepreneurship, with the help of emotional intelligence, enables marriage migrants to integrate socially into the host country. This research examines a unique aspect of migrants as it captures hidden realities, and presents implications and future directions for many stakeholders. The findings of this research can serve as a reference to help resolve the problems of migrant entrepreneurs and integration issues of migrant women in similar contexts.

Rural women entrepreneurship: when femininity compensates for institutional hurdles

Rural women entrepreneurship: when femininity compensates for institutional hurdles

Exploring the role of women entrepreneurial startups in shaping a sustainable future

Women-led entrepreneurial startups play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable future. These startups have the potential to provide innovative solutions. However, women entrepreneurs in Pakistan face socio-economic challenges like unemployment, gender inequality, and environmental deterioration. Even though women are underrepresented in the workforce, entrepreneurship is essential for developing sustainable practices. This research explores the contributions that women entrepreneurs can make to sustainability, the obstacles and possibilities that exist, as well as the requirements for changes in policies and regulations to accomplish sustainable development goals. This study utilizes a qualitative approach and focuses on conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 Pakistani women entrepreneurs in the service sector industry. Subsequently, thematic analysis was employed. The study provides recommendations for Pakistani policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of entrepreneurship to promote sustainable development.

Female Entrepreneurship in the Focus of Russian and Foreign Empirical Research

Female Entrepreneurship in the Focus of Russian and Foreign Empirical Research

Women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria: formal versus informal credit schemes

PurposeThis study examines why low-wealth women entrepreneurs forgo mobile enabled money services and government supported micro finance for informal, community-based revolving loans in rural Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThematic analysis of 25 interviews with women in rural, south-west Nigeria. Entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, in the gendered context of micro finance and community-based lending, is employed.FindingsThis study explains the paradox of forgoing seemingly accessible mobile enabled credit, and formal credit schemes (e.g. micro-finance programs) for informal, one-on-one borrowing. Convenience and trust-based relationships with respected community members ease the burden of time scarcity and vulnerability associated with formal capital. Flexible terms, autonomy, self-reliance and knowing who one is dealing with make Esusu a preferred source of finance. Findings are discussed in the context of gendered entrepreneurial ecosystems in which participants conduct business.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample is not representative of women entrepreneurs in rural Nigeria. Survivorship bias is acknowledged. Further research is needed on the psychological risks of informal capital and the benefits of community-based lending.Practical implicationsMeasures to scale mobile enabled credit, without commensurate interventions to address time management and other structural issues that confront women traders, limit their utility and impacts. Power differentials between women traders and lenders must also be considered in the design of lending products. Training of women traders and formal lenders should incorporate curricula about gender gaps in capital markets and systematic gender challenges to support entrepreneurs who seek to grow beyond subsistence enterprises.Originality/valueThis study documents decision criteria that motivate informal rural women traders to employ community-based revolving credit or Esusu. Findings inform measures to increase women entrepreneurs' access to capital in a rural sub-Saharan Africa contexts.

Empowering rural women through Madhubani painting: a case of Nutan Creations

Learning outcomes The case study can be used for the course of entrepreneurship and is appropriate for postgraduate students. Discussion would be the most appropriate method for teaching this case study. Through Nutan’s words, students could gain a first-hand glimpse into the transformative journey of a rural woman entrepreneur.

Do the Characteristics of Startup Founders Matter for Funding Performance?

Introduction/Main Objectives: Based on the upper echelons theory, this research examines the role of startup founders' characteristics on startup funding performance (SFP). This study considers the founder's experience, education, and gender as the characteristics that positively affect the SFP. Background Problems: While academia and industry emphasize the importance of startup funding performance (SFP), the empirical evidence on its determinant has received less attention. Yet, upper echelons theory addresses the importance of a leader's characteristics in increasing the organization's performance. Therefore, the current study focuses on investigating the role of startup founders' characteristics in the SFP. Novelty: The current study proposes the founder's characteristics as the key factor for startup funding. Unlike previous studies, this study utilized a survey design to answer the research question. Additionally, this study is the pioneer for entrepreneurial finance studies in gauging the upper-echelons framework. Research Methods: This research collected information from 228 Indonesian Startups through a survey. The estimation model is estimated using robust cross-sectional OLS regression and logistic regression. For robustness purposes, this study tackles the endogeneity issue by using two-stage least squares (TSLS) and PLS-SEM. Finding/Results: The regression results (including the two-stage least square approach) reveal that education and gender play a significant role in SFP but not experience. Moreover, it shows that higher education would increase a startup's probability of having better funding. Meanwhile, male entrepreneurs have lower funding performance than women entrepreneurs. Conclusion: Our study surmises that the education of the founders is crucial for startup financing in Indonesia. It also shows that the experience of founders has a trivial effect. It supports the upper echelons theory, emphasizing the pivotal role of founders' characteristics in entrepreneurial finance. Policy-wise, focusing on education can enhance startup success while addressing gender disparities is crucial. However, limitations exist, suggesting the need for longitudinal studies and broader sample sizes. Future research could explore managerial abilities and cultural factors, offering fresh insights into the literature.