Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Overcoming Obstacles and Unleashing Their full Potential.

Authors

  • Nandkishor Damodhar Bodkhe

Abstract

The entrepreneurial landscape is experiencing a profound shift, with women assuming a more prominent role in driving the global economy forward. Despite encountering various obstacles and biases, women entrepreneurs are becoming a formidable force, propelling innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Encouraging women entrepreneurs is not just about achieving gender equality but also a crucial step towards maximizing the economic potential of the entire world. The limited sample size (15 participants) from U.T. Dadra and Nagar Haveli is selected. Created a questionnaire with five sections. The findings reveal that passion, financial independence, and a desire to contribute to the economy are primary motivators. This research uses a mixed-methods approach, involving a questionnaire with five sections. The respondents, aged 25 to 57, were highly educated and from urban and rural areas. The main challenges faced by women entrepreneurs included work-life balance, societal and cultural barriers, and discrimination. Strategies for empowerment included training in marketing and sales, technology, and access to finance. Networking and collaboration were crucial for business expansion, with 55% of women working with collaboration. Policy support included simplified regulatory procedures, tax incentives, and stimulus packages. Key findings revealed that motivations for starting a business were passion, financial independence, and creating jobs. Challenges included accessing finance, marketing, and managing work-life balance. Support systems included family, mentors, and online resources. The study recommends government initiatives, networking and mentorship opportunities, and targeted education and training programs for women entrepreneurs. Future research should include longitudinal studies and comparative analyses.

References

Ajiva OA, Ejike OG, Abhulimen AO. Empowering female entrepreneurs in the creative sector: Overcoming barriers and strategies for long-term success. Int J Adv Econ. 2024;6(08):424-36.

Seshasai SJ, Shriya K. Empowering women entrepreneurs: How tech-driven innovation can unlock business success. InNew Practices for Entrepreneurship Innovation 2024 (pp. 218-244). IGI Global.

Abdelwahed, N.A.A., Bano, S., Al Doghan, M.A., Aljughiman, A.A., Shah, N. and Soomro, B.A., 2025. Empowering women through digital technology: unraveling the nexus between digital enablers, entrepreneurial orientation and innovations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 44(5), pp.602-626.

Thomas A. The role of women’s entrepreneurship in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs): A comprehensive review. Journal of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Research. 2024;174(6):2-11.

Hossain MS, Hosen M, Pek CK, Loh YF. Exploring contemporary challenges and prospective solutions for women's empowerment: Does women's empowerment impact achieving sustainable development goal five?. Business Strategy & Development. 2024 Mar;7(1):e355.

Thousani HF, Edy MH. The networks in encouraging women to start and sustain businesses: Systematic literature review. International Journal of Health, Economics, and Social Sciences (IJHESS). 2023 Oct 30;5(4):494-517.

Serrano DR, Fraguas-Sánchez AI, González-Burgos E, Martín P, Llorente C, Lalatsa A. Women as Industry 4.0. entrepreneurs: unlocking the potential of entrepreneurship in Higher Education in STEM-related fields. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. 2023 Nov 6;12(1):78.

Ahmed N. Empowering Change Through the Transformative Impact of Women Green Entrepreneurs on Our Sustainable Future. InEmpowering Women Through Rural Sustainable Development and Entrepreneurship 2025 (pp. 97-120). IGI Global Scientific Publishing.

Uthman IO, Abdulsalam MK, Adebowale ZM. The Transformative Influence of Muslim Women Entrepreneurs in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria. UMA Journal of Religious Studies. 2025 Jun 13;2(1):27-40.

Alkhaled S, Berglund K. ‘And now I’m free’: women’s empowerment and emancipation through entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and Sweden. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development. 2018 Aug 8;30(7-8):877-900.

Published

2025-09-01

How to Cite

Nandkishor Damodhar Bodkhe. (2025). Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Overcoming Obstacles and Unleashing Their full Potential. NOLEGEIN- Journal of Entrepreneurship Planning, Development and Management, 8(2). Retrieved from https://mbajournals.in/index.php/JoEPDM/article/view/1725