Why Women Start Entrepreneurship in Punjab, Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Women's participation in entrepreneurship is considered as a radiant solution for many economic problems in Pakistan. This research undertaking aimed to explore the causes of women's entry into the entrepreneurial world. It focused to describe the situation of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan with special reference to Punjab province. The objectives of the study also include explaining the motivational factors and decisive factors that lead women to start new ventures. A qualitative approach was used to dig out the realities. For this purpose, Focus group discussions were conducted in three randomly selected districts of Punjab province. The results showed that factors that make women start entrepreneurship do not operate solely as for many women multiple factors were involved in their final decision to start a venture. Economic necessity, family background, personal interest, and a random opportunity were the most immediate causes to start a business. However, some motivational factors like self-esteem and self-satisfaction were also among the decisive factors. Supporting factors were also considered as important as the main leading factors were as without supporting factors women entrepreneurs felt in compliance to start the business.