Exploring motives and socio-economic challenges of women entrepreneurs through their lived experiences: A case study of Ahmedpur East

Abstract

The study aims to explore motives as well as socio-economic constraints and challenges faced by women entrepreneur during start-up and expansion of their entrepreneurial ventures in Tehsil Ahmedpur East of District Bahawalpur. The research is multi-sited ethnography and employs qualitative research methods such as in-depth semi structured interviews, focused group discussions (FGDs) and informal discussions to collect data from a sample of 25 women entrepreneurs. The sample was selected by using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods. This research envisions entrepreneurship through micro or small sized ventures that are self – initiated informally by the local women and reveals entrepreneurship as an economic phenomenon deeply influenced by socio-cultural processes and conditions. The decision regarding nature/kind of entrepreneurial activities is limited and culturally influenced. Women usually tend to engage part time in ventures that are socially approved and can be operated through the sanctity of their households. Economic necessity or ‘urge to fulfil family economic needs’ came out as a prime motive for women to enter small scale self-initiatives. However financial autonomy, self-interest or personal will and social responsibility towards others were also recognized as key reasons for choosing entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneur’s entry as well as growth (individual development) is more effected by social factors than economic. The study highlights that engagement of small or micro level women entrepreneurs in very few circumstances is delayed by lack of access to financial capital and is much more hindered by assigned gender roles, prevailing social codes (norms and values), responsibility towards family, family permissions, Purdah (veil or social seclusion of women resulting in restrictive mobility) as well as cultural standards for valuation of work. Above mentioned social factors have a systematic effect towards shaping and influencing social interactions of women and their engagement as entrepreneurs. These social factors similarly also transform into multiple challenges that they fight and face while making their space as entrepreneurs.