WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Women entrepreneurship plays an important role in economic development, employment generation and social empowerment. Women-owned enterprises contribute to household income, create employment opportunities and encourage greater participation of women in economic activities. However, women entrepreneurs continue to face several challenges, including limited access to finance, lack of business skills, inadequate market opportunities, technological barriers, social expectations and difficulties in balancing family and business responsibilities. The present study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with women entrepreneurship and its contribution to economic empowerment. The study adopted a quantitative research design and collected primary data from 277 women entrepreneurs. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information relating to financial access, entrepreneurial skills, digital capability, market access, institutional support and economic empowerment. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to examine the reliability and validity of the measurement model, while Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS was employed to examine the relationships among the major constructs. The proposed model considers entrepreneurial support, entrepreneurial capability and business opportunities as important factors influencing women's economic empowerment. The study suggests that improved access to finance, training, digital technology, markets, mentoring and institutional support can strengthen women's entrepreneurial activities and contribute to sustainable economic empowerment.