Factors Affecting Women’s Entrepreneurship: A Decadal Review-Based Analysis (2011–21)

The study attempts to identify major factors affecting women entrepreneurs on the basis of an extensive decadal review of the literature. A total of 35 articles from 2011 to 2021 were finally analysed. From each article, three major factors were identified and then analysed on the basis of their total weightage. In psychological factors — self-factors, risk-taking behaviour, and the need for achievement; in socio-cultural factors — family support; in economic factors — financial independence; and in human capital — business-related training and experience were found to be the most affecting factors for women’s entrepreneurial activity. The study concludes that programmes and policies aimed at boosting the self-confidence and motivation of women entrepreneurs have proved important in enhancing women’s entrepreneurial activity. Awareness programmes on women’s work participation and financial literacy are thus suggested to increase the participation of women in entrepreneurial activities. It is also recommended to focus on training and skills related to various business domains, as per the reviewed literature metadata analysis.