[5] SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EVIDENCE FROM A PILOT STUDY IN TELANGANA, INDIA
How to Cite the Article: C. Jyothi & Vineeta Agarwal (2026). Socio-Economic Determinants and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurship: Evidence from a Pilot Study in Telangana, India. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(5),63-81. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i5.2026.63-81
Abstract
Women entrepreneurship plays a vital role in promoting economic growth, generating employment, and advancing inclusive development, particularly in emerging economies such as India. The present pilot study examines the socio-economic determinants influencing women entrepreneurship and identifies the key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in small and micro enterprises in selected districts of Telangana. Primary data were collected from 50 women entrepreneurs using structured questionnaires and
interviews, and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, mean, mode, and standard deviation. The findings reveal that factors such as financial independence, family support, education, and prior work experience significantly influence women’s entrepreneurial decisions. While operational challenges among women entrepreneurs, such as access to capital, competition, and market fluctuations, exist, they are perceived as moderate rather than severe.Personal and socio-cultural constraints, including mobility restrictions and family support, are found to be less significant, indicating a gradually supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. However, limited access to institutional finance, low awareness of government schemes, and inadequate entrepreneurial training continue to restrict business growth and scalability. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions,
improved financial inclusion, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen women-led enterprises. As a pilot study, the findings also validate the research design and provide a foundation for large-scale empirical investigation.
