Gender Specific Barriers to Female Entrepreneurs in Pakistan: A Study in Urban Areas of Pakistan

Abstract

Aims: The prime objective of this study is to examine the gender specific barriers that cause exclusion from mainstream entrepreneurship faced by female entrepreneurs in Pakistan. Study Design: The study employed a research design where qualitative method was used. Self administered surveys were used to collect data from 160 Pakistani women. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in four major cities of Pakistan i.e. Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha and Sialkot. The duration time was 6 to 8 months. Methodology: Qualitative method was used. The sample of this research focuses on female entrepreneurs selected by research team. The data was collected through native field researchers who understand local culture and language better. Results: Pakistani female entrepreneurs were found to exhibit many similarities in issues with other female entrepreneurs in developing countries. The findings indicated that factors like “Lack of finance, Restriction on mobility, Limited decision making, Lack of role models and guiders, Men’s hold on markets, Family pressure and Discrimination are major barriers in the way of entrepreneurialism. Conclusion: The paper shows that the female entrepreneurs in Pakistan are very important to economic and social development but they are facing serious troubles. Women’s entrepreneurship, properly exploited, has great potential as a tool for transforming Pakistani economy. In conclusion, the results of this study proved that the in Pakistan women’s entrepreneurial activities are not only a means for economic survival but also have positive social repercussions for the women themselves, their families and their social environment.