Purpose

This study is aimed to provide a relationship between the negative and positive factors impacting women entrepreneurship and analysing the factors which are helping Pakistani women overcoming the obstacles and supporting them to pursue their entrepreneurial interest in this country.

Methodology

This research is based on qualitative analysis by conducting primary research and analyzing data based on grounded theory. For this purpose, phenomenological research philosophy is adapted, and in-depth interviews are conducted. Along with this, a systematic literature review was designed to formulate theoretical model and formulating the final outcomes by assessing the relationship between the findings from the literature review and grounded theory.

Findings

In total three interviews and a systematic literature review were carried out in this research. The findings from the interview transcripts suggest family support is the main factor supporting women entrepreneurship in Pakistan, whereas access to finance based on family support, and education also based on family support promotes women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. On the other hand, gender discrimination and religious beliefs based on cultural norms and personal perceptions hinders women entrepreneurship in Pakistan. Moreover, the findings from literature review suggested gender discrimination, access to finance, cultural norms, and religious factors hindering women entrepreneurship, while education advancement contributing to family support and hence promoting women entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

Limitations

The research is based on providing qualitative analysis with in-depth interview, so it is limited in terms of narrowed opinions from the participants, because the number of participants is limited. Moreover, the participants are targeted from Karachi and Lahore, therefore this study is also incorporated with demographic limitation.