Published Online:September 2025
Product Name:The IUP Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Product Type:Article
Product Code:IJED030925
DOI:10.71329/IUPJED/2025.22.3.38-58
Author Name:Rashmi
Availability:YES
Subject/Domain:Management
Download Format:PDF
Pages:38-58
Women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering social change. However, they often face significant challenges, including financial constraints, societal biases, limited access to skill development, and inadequate institutional support. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach to analyze the barriers and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in urban slums, specifically Mumbai’s M-East Ward. Using thematic analysis through MAXQDA, the study derives qualitative insights, which highlight key challenges such as financial exclusion, gender bias, and work-life balance struggles, while also identifying empowerment strategies like self-help groups and digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, a quantitative analysis, using an independent t-test, assesses the impact of skill development programs on income growth among women entrepreneurs. The findings indicate that participants in skill development programs experience significantly higher financial growth compared to nonparticipants, reinforcing the importance of structured training initiatives. The study concludes with policy recommendations for improving financial access, entrepreneurship education, and digital transformation to foster sustainable economic empowerment among women entrepreneurs.
Gender equality in entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive economic development, innovation, and poverty reduction (Olarewaju & Fernando, 2020). Yet, despite global advancements, women entrepreneurs continue to face structural and sociocultural barriers that hinder their full participation in business. These barriers are particularly evident in developing economies like India, where gender disparities in financial inclusion, business ownership, and access to markets persist (Anderson & Ojediran, 2022).