A comparative analysis of women entrepreneurs’ challenges in Male- and Female-dominated Industries: Evidence from Iran

Purpose This study examines the shared and different experiences of women entrepreneurs in Male- and Female-dominated Industries in Iran, emphasizing on how institutional forces-gender norm, religious values and social-cultural factors, shape their experiences. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was employed through in-depth interviews with15 women entrepreneurs (8 from Male-dominated Industry and 7 from Female-dominated Industry). Thematic analysis focused on these interviews to identify factors shaping gendered challenges across the two Industry groups. Eleven supplementary interviews with six male entrepreneurs and five key informants were used only for contextualization and triangulation. Findings Previous research on women entrepreneurs rarely differentiates between Male- and Female-dominated Industries when analyzing gendered barriers. Using institutional theory to examine Iran's patriarchal business environment, this study shows that while women across both types of industries face common gendered challenges, those in Male-dominated Industry experience industry-specific constraints shaped by Islamic values and gender norms embedded in legal, industry culture, and familial contexts. The cultural norm of gheyrat emerges as a key mechanism reinforcing these barriers across three levels: macro (legal, policy, and cultural–religious discrimination), meso (legitimacy and Queen Bee Syndrome challenge), and micro (lack of recognition and support from family and friends). The findings also shed light on the adaptive strategies women employ to navigate these constraints, such as leveraging male family members to overcome legal restrictions and strategically adapting business practices to align with cultural–religious expectations. Originality This study advances institutional theory by examining how formal regulations, religious-cultural norms, and shared beliefs shape women's entrepreneurial experiences in Iran. It extends gender and entrepreneurship literature by showing how industry type, religion, and socio-cultural norms intersect to produce distinct gendered challenges in Male-dominated Industry. The study also introduces gheyrat as a novel analytical concept, offering fresh insights into how context-specific norms reinforce institutional constraints in religious and patriarchal settings. Practical implications The findings suggest that policymakers should reform discriminatory laws and regulations that disproportionately constrain women in Male-dominated Industry. Practitioners should establish targeted networks and peer mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs in Male- and Female-dominated Industries to strengthen women's entrepreneurial capacity.