Abstract
This paper is based on empirical evidence collected through thirty in-depth interviews of female entrepreneurs involved in the beauty parlor business in Hyderabad, Sindh. This study investigated: (a) degree to which women entrepreneurs see themselves empowered in deciding regarding recruitment, procurement, marketing, financing and other administrative affairs of their enterprise or do their male-family members play any role and (b) the extent women entrepreneurs have access to their profits and how do they manage risk factors. Study also examined whether demographic factors such as family background, education level, domicile and size of enterprises are indicative to the success and failure of women enterprise. Findings reveal vast majority of women entrepreneurs are empowered in decision making on routine administrative affairs like recruitment and procurement. However, due to socio-cultural factors, they seek assistance of their male family members on marketing and finance issues. Study also identifies majority of women entrepreneurs utilize profits of their business for themselves. Also, a comfortable majority suggested they financially support their family and pay for health and education of their children. In the last, study discusses implication of findings for further research and management of women entrepreneurship in the country.
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