Breaking Boundaries: The Rise of Rural Women Entrepreneurs

As compared to their urban counterparts, women entrepreneurs in rural areas confront some unique feature such as lack of access to financial resources, societal restraints, and deficient business support systems. However, women achieving success in the business world despite these barriers is increasing and many are running and establishing businesses that are responsible for accelerating economic growth and helping to promote social progress. This article investigates the experiences of rural women entrepreneurs through the lens of their key enablers and barriers. It evaluates the effect of education, government initiatives, community networks and the adoption of digital technology in encouraging women's enterprises. The research through quantitative analysis points out the innovative strategies these entrepreneurs have taken like use of microfinance and forming cooperatives to increase market reach within their sphere of influence. Moreover, it also explains the general advantages of women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas, including job creation, poverty relief and social empowerment. The study seeks to inform policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations in building supportive ecosystems as it explores the core factors that influence rural women’s entrepreneurial journeys. Rural entrepreneurship must be encouraged and enabled to foster women’s participation in rural entrepreneurship, contribute to inclusive, sustainable development and towards narrowing the gender gap, and improve rural livelihood.