Entrepreneurship and women's empowerment in gateway communities of Bardia National Park, Nepal

Protected areas of Nepal, especially those situated in the lowland areas, have current and future growth prospects for ecotourism with opportunities in tourism and hospitality business operations in the buffer zone communities. This study explored the benefits and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs along with the potential role of empowerment in the buffer zone communities of Bardia National Park. Qualitative data were collected via semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with women entrepreneurs involved in hotel and homestay enterprises. Findings suggest that women accrued various individual-level benefits from involvement, such as enhanced self-confidence and personal skills, increased access to cash income, and decision-making role in the family. Some of these benefits were related to empowerment. However, in order to better link ecotourism entrepreneurship with women’s empowerment, the gender-specific challenges in patriarchal society of rural Nepal needs to be addressed. This study highlighted the need for capacity building programs that focuses on enhancing women’s non-traditional roles, and wider programs to increase family/community support to promote their participation in tourism as entrepreneurs.