Uncovering the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises
Nazam, Muhammad; Ahmed, Tariq; Mohammadparast Tabas, Abdollah; Akhtar, Muhammad Waheed; Rasool, Yasir (2025-10-01)
Emerald
01.10.2025
Muhammad Nazam, Tariq Ahmed, Abdollah Mohammadparast Tabas, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Yasir Rasool; Uncovering the barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy 2025; https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-01-2025-0003
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
© Muhammad Nazam, Tariq Ahmed, Abdollah Mohammadparast Tabas, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar and Yasir Rasool. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
© Muhammad Nazam, Tariq Ahmed, Abdollah Mohammadparast Tabas, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar and Yasir Rasool. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202510076207
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-202510076207
Tiivistelmä
Abstract
Purpose:
Women entrepreneurs in developing countries face significant constraints while striving to enhance their businesses in highly competitive environments. This study aims to enrich the understanding of women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan by identifying and addressing the barriers they face. It highlights the need to eradicate these barriers to boost business performance.
Design/methodology/approach:
Targeting women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, the study used a multi-criteria decision-making model based on the analytical hierarchy process. Through a literature review and consultations with 127 experts, 10 main barrier categories and 50 sub-categories were identified and ranked. Key barriers include lack of entrepreneurial skills, macro business environment and social networking. A sensitivity analysis further evaluated the stability of these rankings.
Findings:
The findings suggest that women entrepreneurs should persist despite these challenges. However, identifying barriers alone is insufficient; strategic interventions are essential for significant business growth. This research supports the support program for women entrepreneurs, governmental officials and practitioners in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Originality/value:
By tackling critical barriers, this study supports national economic growth by strengthening women’s soft skills and promoting the development of SMEs.
Purpose:
Women entrepreneurs in developing countries face significant constraints while striving to enhance their businesses in highly competitive environments. This study aims to enrich the understanding of women’s entrepreneurship in Pakistan by identifying and addressing the barriers they face. It highlights the need to eradicate these barriers to boost business performance.
Design/methodology/approach:
Targeting women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan, the study used a multi-criteria decision-making model based on the analytical hierarchy process. Through a literature review and consultations with 127 experts, 10 main barrier categories and 50 sub-categories were identified and ranked. Key barriers include lack of entrepreneurial skills, macro business environment and social networking. A sensitivity analysis further evaluated the stability of these rankings.
Findings:
The findings suggest that women entrepreneurs should persist despite these challenges. However, identifying barriers alone is insufficient; strategic interventions are essential for significant business growth. This research supports the support program for women entrepreneurs, governmental officials and practitioners in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Originality/value:
By tackling critical barriers, this study supports national economic growth by strengthening women’s soft skills and promoting the development of SMEs.
Kokoelmat
- Avoin saatavuus [43406]
Ellei muuten mainita, aineiston lisenssi on https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/