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Research
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Proposal
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Submitted to :
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Madam Humera Shahid
Prepared by:
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Madiha Rehman M10bba053
Aatika Bashir
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Binish Abrar
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Class:
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6 Semester
Topic:
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Women Entrepreneurs of
Pakistan
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Chapter 1.................................................................3
Introduction............................................................3
Chapter 2.................................................................3
Literature Review...................................................4
Chapter 3.................................................................4
Research Methodology...........................................5
Chapter 4.................................................................6
Data Analysis.........................................................6
Frequency tables:.................................................6
Chapter 5...............................................................18
Recommendations:...............................................18
Chapter 6...............................................................19
Conclusion............................................................19
QUESTIONNAIRE......................................................21
Women Entrepreneurship - Questionnaire for
Existing Entrepreneurs...........................................21

Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Chapter 1
Introduction
Mao Tse-tung said Women hold up half the sky in China
Unfortunately the same could not be said about the women in Pakistan.
Women in rural areas of Pakistan have always worked side by side with
their male counter parts. But their contribution is neither enough for them
nor for the economy of the country. On the contrary it has led them to be
stuck in the same circle of work rather than progressing forward.
Women entrepreneurship is really important for any country especially in
these modern times. For a country whose more than half of the population
is comprised of women, the self-employment rate of women is really low
in Pakistan. The labour force participation rate of women is only 21% as
compared to 82% of men.
The research problem that we will be working on is what are the
problems faced by women entrepreneurs which are the reasons for their
low rate of self-employment.

Chapter 2
Literature Review
In the research article by Roy Thurick he discusses the reason of low selfemployment of women as compared to men. In his article he researches
the reasons that are more subjective in nature. His research focuses on
the extent to which womens relatively low level of participation in
entrepreneurial activity is driven by their lower preferences for
entrepreneurship. The question that he poses is that whether women
prefer to work or not. The purpose of this study is to determine the
problems faced by women they choose or prefer to work. The research
objectives are
1. To find whether women entrepreneurs face problems.
2. To determine what kind of problems they face.
3. To what extent lack of knowledge effects the above

Chapter 3
Research Methodology
The type of research is descriptive research. The research instrument used
is Questionnaire answered by the respondents. It is basically data
collection to determine the problems faced by the women entrepreneurs
in Pakistan. The method used is sample survey rather than censes survey
Population:
The population for the research article is women entrepreneurs of
Pakistan.
Sample Size:
The sample size was 30 in which questionnaire was filled by women
entrepreneurs of Punjab Province.

Chapter 4
Data Analysis
Frequency tables:
It is generally believed that Pakistan women give more emphasis to their motherly role and family / home
responsibilities rather than venturing for a career / growth through entrepreneurship. If they have to plan
& settle for a career, they would at best prefer a safe risk free job than setting up a business venture of their
own.
Frequency
Valid

I agree fully

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

70.0

72.4

72.4

26.7

27.6

100.0

Total

29

96.7

100.0

-420

3.3

30

100.0

partially agree
Missing

Percent
21

Total

The above
percentages show that
majority of the
women find it much
more easier to earn
through jobs which
have specific
timings and allows
them
their
preference of

easier ways to handle

family. This leads to
jobs over than starting their

own business

Women's family obligations also bar them from initiating & becoming successful entrepreneurs.
Frequency
Valid

Missing
Total

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

I Agree fully

12

40.0

41.4

41.4

partially agree

13

43.3

44.8

86.2

I do not agree

13.3

13.8

100.0

Total

29

96.7

100.0

-420

3.3

30

100.0

40% of the respondents fully agree where as 43.3% partially agree that
one of the barricades in their way of becoming an entrepreneur are their
family obligations. In country like Pakistan the full responsibility of the
household lies with female member of the family even if both male and
female members are working. This creates a hectic life for the women and
they find themselves unable to concentrate fully at the tasks of their
businesses. This is something that greatly hinders them from either
starting their business or becoming successful if they start one.
7

Financial institutions are generally sceptical about the entrepreneurial seriousness & abilities of
women entrepreneurs. As a result, the women entrepreneurs are suffering from inadequate financial
resources and working capital.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

10

33.3

33.3

partially agree

18

60.0

60.0

93.3

i do not agree

6.7

6.7

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

33.3

Finance is the

life

blood of

any
business. Financial
Institutions in Pakistan

are

especially reluctant in
extending finance to

the

female. More than

60%

respondents believe

that

one of the reasons

that

women are not neck to

neck in

business field with men is

the

reluctance of Banks to

provide loans and

finances to women for starting their

own enterprises.

Although women managers & executives are proving to be more & more effective at their work places, they
are still not considered efficient enough to handle Labour & logistic issues as efficiently in self-owned
business enterprises. They would prefer men to handle such issues.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

17

56.7

56.7

partially agree

11

36.7

36.7

93.3

i do not agree

6.7

6.7

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

56.7

Not
many
agree but from
the
responses one can see
women instead of
out and dealing with
distribution and
labour issues prefer
hire men that can
that for them.
Although it is not a
problem as many
businessmen hire
assistance for these
matter rather than
out themselves. But
women it reflects a bad
them leading many
believe that women who are
handle these matters are
their businesses well.

that
going
to
big

going
for
light on
people to
unable to
unable to carry out

The overall male domination in the entire business & entrepreneurship area also works as a hurdle for
women entrepreneurs.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

14

46.7

46.7

46.7

partially agree

14

46.7

46.7

93.3

i do not agree

6.7

6.7

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

No one can disagree that can in country like Pakistan male domination in
any sector whether in jobs or in businesses hinders the progress of
women. Many of the people prefer to take their business to men rather
than dealing with women entrepreneur. One of the reasons that women
entrepreneurs are restricted to some particular businesses like boutiques,
parlours, retail shops etc.
It is believed that lack of proper knowledge about availability of raw materials & low-level negotiation and
bargaining skills are also factors, which affect women entrepreneurs business adventures.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

10

33.3

33.3

33.3

partially agree

11

36.7

36.7

70.0

i do not agree

30.0

30.0

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

10

Although women have bargaining skills but they are limited to one to one
bargaining while dealing with shopkeepers. While doing businesses they
need do deal with people with whom they need to bargain.9% of the
women are of the view that women have the necessary skills and
bargaining power needed to run a business efficiently.

Low-level risk taking attitude is another factor affecting womens decision to get into business.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

13

43.3

43.3

43.3

partially agree

16

53.3

53.3

96.7

i do not agree

3.3

3.3

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

11

Nearly 53% of the respondents themselves say that women do not form a
large percentage of the business sector because they prefer not to take
risks. Hence answering the first question why they prefer jobs over their
own businesses.

Educational Institutions & even Govt. Agencies are doing little to promote entrepreneurship amongst women
particularly.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

11

36.7

36.7

36.7

partially agree

14

46.7

46.7

83.3

i do not agree

16.7

16.7

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

12

Even though government is working to incorporate women in the business

sector but its efforts towards area are not that strong. 46.7% partially
agree with the statement which leads one to believe that Gov. is making
efforts but its efforts are not enough.

13

Women would perhaps prefer to be active partner entrepreneurs with their spouses & provide necessary
support rather than initiating & running a business enterprise entirely on their own.
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

16

53.3

53.3

53.3

partially agree

11

36.7

36.7

90.0

i do not agree

10.0

10.0

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

Leaving in Pakistan no woman can avoid the Eastern attitude that

demands that women help their spouses in every walk of life. Women
entrepreneur find it easier to contribute in the family business and work
side by side with their husbands than going out and making a name for
them.

14

Larger numbers of women do not have much needed financial independence that would enable them to
conceive, plan & execute a business plan independently.
Frequency
Valid

Missing
Total

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

i agree fully

17

56.7

58.6

58.6

partially agree

10

33.3

34.5

93.1

i do not agree

6.7

6.9

100.0

Total

29

96.7

100.0

-420

3.3

30

100.0

Regarding financial independence, almost 57% women were agreed that they do not have
much needed financial independence that would them to execute a business plan
independently. Whereas 33% respondents agreed this statement up to some extent. 7%
women didnt agree this.

15

The above question was more easily represented through a graph. As the

graph
shows
that a

high

number of
respondents faced

the

challenge of
arranging finance for their business followed

by the

challenge of finding the right contacts that could help them in establishing
their business in a firmer ground.

16

Are you aware that banks provide loans and schemes for women entrepreneurs?
Frequency
Valid

Percent

Valid Percent

Cumulative Percent

yes

18

60.0

60.0

60.0

no

26.7

26.7

86.7

cant say

13.3

13.3

100.0

30

100.0

100.0

Total

The above table shows that although 60% of the entrepreneurs were
aware of the bank scheme still financing was their major problem. 26%
were not even aware that banks have special schemes for providing loans
to women entrepreneurs of the country.

17

Chapter 5
Recommendations:

Governmentshould arrange exhibitions on quarterly, semiannually or

annual basis to promote the work of women entrepreneurs this will

provide them a platform where they can bring their work on scene.
Government should train the employees who work in the micro
financial institutions as to how to deal with the customers and tell them

the benefits of the scheme.

Government should do extensive ad campaigns to promote the work of
these women not only within the country but also at the international

level.
Awareness should be created among these women as to how they can
gain success in their business by getting proper education and getting

required skills.
There should be relaxations in the terms of micro finance so that they

can easilystart their own business.

Society should not only support but also encourage such women who

are sourceof pride for the nation.

Special buses should be run for females so that they do not face any

kind of problem while travelling.

Examine the processes of gender inequality

18

Chapter 6
Conclusion
Woman to man working ratio reveals women prefer to work at home and
wants to look after their family more. They only under some forced
circumstances move out to support their family and willing to work and
still wants to run small level business within their housing locality, there
are very few motivated woman. Women who are well aware of their
surroundings and due to special causes or incidents and sometimes
because of betterment of their lifestyles get motivated and start their own
business not only to better their life styles but also to share burden of
society.
We divide woman entrepreneurs in 2 different categories which are as
follows
Motivated women
Forced women
These are further subdivided as follows
Motivated woman
Supported by family
Not supported by family
Skillful
Non skillful
Need further training
Receiving/not receiving government funding
Those are strongly or partially supported by their families and their
husbands are also very co-operative and our SPSS studies have revealed
that they can devote themselves better and can work in a better way and
results have proved that their business are really are a vital source of
income for country.
Those women who arent supported by their families are basically
surrounded by a greater chance of getting unmotivated and they cant
fully devote themselves but anyhow motivation is motivation and studies
have proven they are strong enough as they are facing the society as well
as family alone so their work is remarkable.
Those woman who are well skilled in their work like those who are running
boutiques and are well skillful in knitting , stitching , weaving etc. .
19

Similarly those who are running saloons are aware of facials etc. so they
dont require training and require less time and cost to bring their
business in running position.
Those who arent skillful but want to work so if they have enough capital
sometimes they hire workers and sometimes they get training themselves
in any way they are useful too but they require comparatively longer time
and cost to bring business in running position but once it is done they are
as good as others.
Those who are not enough skilled and require some training and dont
have enough funds or capital needs help, those who are interested should
help them and workers welfare organization should sort out such women
who are really precious asset for our country
There are some organizations that are providing funds to women who
really seek training and funds to run fruitful business but still its in very
small amount, our studies have revealed that a large population is still
starving for funds and govt. should pay attention to those. There are some
who are running really fruitful business but facing many problems that
they cant solely sort out and there are some who just need some ignition
to start their business.

20

QUESTIONNAIRE
Women Entrepreneurship - Questionnaire for Existing
Entrepreneurs
Please ticks mark your right answer:

1. It is generally believed that Pakistan women give more emphasis to

their motherly role and family / home responsibilities rather than
venturing for a career / growth through entrepreneurship. If they
have to plan & settle for a career, they would at best prefer a safe
risk free job than setting up a business venture of their own.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

from

initiating

Agree
2. Women's

family

obligations

also

bar

them

&becoming successful entrepreneurs.

I Agree Fully
3. Financial

institutions

Partially Agree
are

generally

I Do Not Agree

skeptical

about

the

entrepreneurial seriousness &abilities of women entrepreneurs. As

a result, the women entrepreneurs are suffering from inadequate
financial resources and working capital.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

Agree
4. Although women managers & executives are proving to be more &
more effective at their work places, they are still not considered
efficient enough to handle Labour & logistic issues as efficiently in
self-owned business enterprises. They would prefer men to handle
such issues.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not Agree

21

5. The

overall

male

entrepreneurship

domination

area

also

in

works

the
as

entire
a

business

hurdle

for

&

women

entrepreneurs.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

Agree
6.

It is believed that lack of proper knowledge about availability of

raw materials & low-level negotiation and bargaining skills are also
factors, which affect women entrepreneurs business adventures.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

Agree
7. Low-level risk taking attitude is another factor affecting womens
decision to get into business.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not Agree

8. Educational Institutions & even Govt. agencies are doing little to

promote entrepreneurship amongst women particularly.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

Agree
9. Women would perhaps prefer to be active partner entrepreneurs
with their spouses & provide necessary support rather than
initiating & running a business enterprise entirely on their own.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

Do

Not

Agree
10. Larger numbers of women do not have much needed financial
independence that would enable them to conceive, plan & execute
a business plan independently.
I Agree Fully

Partially Agree

I Do Not

Agree

22

11. What was the challenge you faced during the start-up in your
business?
No obstacles
A question of self confidence (believing in your abilities)
Start up finance
Lack of information / advice on how to start an enterprise
Family support (parents / in-laws/ Husband)
Finding the right contacts for your business venture/ Access to
business support
Management / Entrepreneurial skills
Combining family and work life
Being a woman/Gender discrimination
12. Are you aware that banks provide loans and schemes for women
entrepreneurs?
Yes

No Cant say

23