CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN OWNED MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN AN EMERGING ECONOMY

With rapid globalization, and increase in world population, the women have emerged as a fundamental workforce in various industries along with their male counterparts and prove to be an essential driving force towards economic progress by managing the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Female population in Pakistan makes about 50% of total population of the country; buy only 16% of these women population are valid participants in economic activity, due to the challenges for women entrepreneurs in a patriarchal society. These issues vary from socioeconomic to managerial, and marketing problems. This research study attempts to unfold the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and was conducted in an urban city in Pakistan. The study is exploratory and descriptive in nature. The data is collected through questionnaire survey method and the sample of the study comprises of 164 Women Owned MSMEs (WMSMEs) related to diverse industries. Data is analyzed by using Statistical tools to describe the problems and their relative influence on bu. The data findings postulate three main factors responsible for deficient nature of women enterprises in Pakistan; lack of financial support; lack of social resources; and work/family considerations. The research findings also stress the inadequacy of institutional assistance in promoting MSMEs in Pakistan and recommends policy establishments for promotion and support of these ventures