Women entrepreneurs have emerged as an important driver of inclusive economic growth in India, particularly in the micro and small enterprise (MSE) sector. Over the last decade, increased policy support, improved access to education, and expanding digital and financial infrastructure have contributed to a gradual rise in women's participation in entrepreneurial activities. This study examines the status of women entrepreneurs in India and analyzes the key factors influencing their performance in micro and small enterprises. The study is based on a mixed approach using primary data collected from 200 women entrepreneurs and secondary data drawn from government reports, published studies, and official statistics for the last eight years. The findings indicate that while women's participation and formal registration of enterprises have increased, significant challenges persist in the areas of access to finance, market linkages, skills, technology adoption, and sociocultural constraints. The paper concludes that strengthening institutional support, improving financial inclusion, enhancing skill development, and fostering a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem are essential for improving the performance and sustainability of women-led micro and small enterprises in India.
Sahu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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