Motivational Factors and Challenges Faced by Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs in Lahore, Pakistan

Faizah Awan & Kieran James*
University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2024.7801

Abstract

In this article, we look at a sample of 12 women entrepreneurs in Lahore, Pakistan. Three questions were asked, and qualitative data was collected through face-to-face interviews in Lahore, Pakistan, where 12 women were able to voice their answers regarding both their motivations and challenges that they face. The results show that, despite the challenges the women face, they remain committed to continuing in their chosen pathway. Based on analysis of the primary data, and using a Marxist-feminist framework, we identify the following challenges: finance, men, balancing work and family, family support, harassment, and personal financial security. Black Feminism seems more relevant than White Feminism as the family unit, including even in-laws, is seen as a bulwark against marginalization and indifference rather than a source of oppression. The women face the disciplinary gaze of other men, though, consistent with Foucault’s idea that women’s bodies are inscribed by systems of power.

Keywords:  Challenges for women entrepreneurs; Engels; Foucault; Lahore; Marxist-feminism; motivational factors for entrepreneurs; Pakistani women; women entrepreneurs.

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