FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MICRO-ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19005267Keywords:
female entrepreneurship, micro-enterprises, women’s empowerment, developing economies, microfinance, gender constraintsAbstract
This research examines the role of female entrepreneurship in the development of micro-enterprises, with a
particular focus on developing economies. It explores why gender matters in entrepreneurship, the patterns of microenterprise
formation by women, and how such businesses contribute to socio-economic empowerment. The paper
reviews the existing literature, presents a conceptual framework, discusses challenges and enabling factors, and offers
suggestions for policy and practice. The study shows that while female-led micro-enterprises have strong potential to
reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, they face significant constraints in access to finance, training, markets, and
societal norms. The conclusion emphasizes the need for integrated support systems and gender-sensitive entrepreneurial
ecosystems.
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