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VOL. 7, ISSUE 3 (2025)
Empowering women: A study of entrepreneurial challenges in Kolkata
Authors
Saba Naaz
Abstract
Feminism has played a crucial role in
empowering women to enjoy equal rights, foster self-development,
self-dependent, upgrade economic and social status. Among various means of
empowerment, entrepreneurship Development is considered one of the most
effective tools. Women are making significant improvements and performing an
excellent job in the field of entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurship is
necessary for the overall growth of a nation, and in order to achieve the
target, the problems of women entrepreneurs should be highlighted and addressed
from time to time. This paper examines the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kolkata
district with the main focus on the different challenges faced by women
entrepreneurs. Kolkata, being a cultural as well as a commercial hub, serves as
a compelling background to explore the dynamics of women's entrepreneurship.
This paper investigates the various challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in
Kolkata, such as business-related, financial-related, market-related,
society-related, and family-related challenges, etc. The challenges are further
divided into internal and external constraints or problems. A structured
questionnaire was used to gather primary data from the 280 respondents, i.e.,
entrepreneurs of the Kolkata district. The questionnaire is designed based on a
5-point Likert scale and mainly comprises three parts, viz., the
socio-economic profile, internal constraints, and external constraints of women
entrepreneurs. The reliability of the data is tested by a satisfactory
cronbach's alpha value. Factor analysis was performed on both internal and
external constraints separately. The mean score of all the constraints is
derived and among all the business-related issues and financial constraints are
more crucial. Same is done in case of external constraints and its highlight
that infrastructure constraints and less access and awareness about the govt.
schemes and help are the crucial challenges women entrepreneurs face in
Kolkata. Further overall influence of the internal constraints is checked by
applying one sample independent t-test. The findings reveal that both internal
constraints and external constraints, significantly influence Women
Entrepreneurs in Kolkata district. These challenges can be addressed through
required policy formation, proper financial support, organizing awareness
programs etc. for overall growth of entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kolkata.
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Pages:53-59
How to cite this article:
Saba Naaz "Empowering women: A study of entrepreneurial challenges in Kolkata". International Journal of Finance and Commerce, Vol 7, Issue 3, 2025, Pages 53-59
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