Women Entrepreneurship in Sindh: Developing a Conceptual Framework From Empirical Evidence

Abstract

This study seeks to identify socio-economic and cultural problems women entrepreneurs (WEs) face in start up or continuing the business. A careful review of literature regarding frameworks and model on WEs in Sindh and Pakistan was made. Review suggests there is an acute shortage of the research evidence on the subject. Consequently, this study embarked upon contributing empirical evidence gathered form Karachi, Hyderabad and Larkana cities of Sindh province in Pakistan. Twenty eight in-depth interviews were conducted direct observation also made. This study empirically investigated multiple effects of socio-cultural, familial financial, managerial and governmental influences which cause or ease problems and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The findings reveal female entrepreneurs experience hard times in start up and maintaining business in male dominated society. However, urbanised women seemed more educated and belong to well-off families who support them. As a result they get their problems shared with family and friends and grow bit faster. In the last section, we discussed policy implications.