Contemporary Research Analysis Journal

This study aims to explore the socio-cultural factors influencing young women entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh, with a focus on uncovering both challenges and opportunities. The study seeks to create insights that align with national women and youth welfare strategies, offering actionable solutions to foster sustainable entrepreneurship. The primary objective of t5his study is to investigate the challenges faced by rural young women entrepreneurs, as well as to assess their socio-demographic status, the sources and impact of challenges, and potential opportunities. Specifically, the study examines the socio-cultural elements, supportive actors, and experiences of women entrepreneurs in rural areas, ultimately proposing policy recommendations for promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research integrates a survey of 500 participants from 10 villages and 20 in-depth case studies, ensuring both a broad and nuanced understanding of the issues at hand. The data reveals that 61% of respondents are married, with 42% having completed higher studies. Key challenges identified include family culture (81.6%), community values (67.4%), financial policies (90.8%), and family demotivation (91.2%) at the initial stage. Additional challenges include negative community attitudes (86.8%), security concerns (81.6%), male-dominated business environments, and limited financial support from family and institutions. Despite these barriers, the study uncovers promising prospects for women entrepreneurs, particularly in crafts and home-based industries (81.6% potential), tailoring and garment making (85.8%), and handicrafts production (81%). These sectors are seen as highly viable due to skill availability, cultural relevance, and export potential. The beauty and wellness industry are also emerging as a growing opportunity, with 81% rating it as a promising field. Supportive actors include government bodies, NGOs, microfinance institutions, and the private sector. The study concludes by urging these stakeholders, alongside development partners, to focus on addressing socio-cultural barriers to empower young women entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh.

challenges, prospects, potentiality, young, women, entrepreneurship.

1. Ahmed, R., & Chowdhury, M. (2022). The impact of male-dominated culture and religious misinterpretation on rural women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Asian Social Science, 18(3), 44-55. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v18n3p44
2. Akter, R., et al. (2022). Gender roles and entrepreneurial challenges in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Entrepreneurship Studies, 15(3), 121–135.
3. Alam, M. S., Islam, T., & Nahar, N. (2023). Government support and policy initiatives for women entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Development Studies, 59(4), 321-339. https://doi.org/10.1080/12345678.2023.1582015
4. Alam, S. S., et al. (2011). Barriers to entrepreneurship among rural women in Bangladesh. Asian Social Science, 7(3), 30–38.
5. Audretsch, D. B. (2012). Entrepreneurship and economic growth. Oxford University Press.
6. Begum, N. (2017). Social and cultural barriers to women entrepreneurship in rural areas. Bangladesh Journal of Development Research, 25(1), 89–103.
7. Chowdhury, T., & Nazneen, S. (2020). Gendered barriers to entrepreneurship in Bangladesh: A rural perspective. Gender and Society, 34(4), 543–562.
8. Hasan, K., & Jahan, S. (2023). Financial challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Economics, 12(1), 78-94. https://doi.org/10.5559/12345678.2023.2023
9. Hasan, M. S., & Hossain, A. (2021). Digital technology and rural women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Technology and Society Review, 6(2), 71–85.
10. Hossain, M., & Islam, F. (2023). Women's empowerment through entrepreneurship in rural Bangladesh. International Journal of Social Work, 9(1), 65–78.
11. Hossain, M., & Khatun, R. (2020). Policy interventions for sustainable women entrepreneurship. Policy and Development Review, 12(3), 112–128.
12. Kabeer, N. (2020). Women's empowerment and entrepreneurship: Insights from Bangladesh. Feminist Economics, 16(1), 1–26.
13. Karim, S., & Shamsuzzaman, M. (2019). Religious barriers to women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. Religion and Society, 10(2), 98–110.
14. Khatun, R. (2021). Social security concerns as a barrier to women’s entrepreneurship in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Rural Sociology, 46(2), 199-216. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrs.v46n2p199
15. Rahman, M. M., et al. (2020). Education, technology, and women's entrepreneurship in rural Bangladesh. Journal of Rural Development Studies, 8(3), 34–48.
16. Rahman, S., & Akter, L. (2022). The role of education and technology in empowering rural women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Women Studies Review, 11(3), 112-129. https://doi.org/10.101
17. Mridha, M. R., et al. (2024). Social Media in Promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Motivation for Young Women Entrepreneurs In Bangladesh. Contemporary Journal of Business and Entrepreneurship Research (CJBER), 8(6), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14243480
18. Sultana, A., & Akter, S. (2021). Women's small business in rural Bangladesh: Opportunities and challenges. Small Business Development Journal, 11(2), 89–104.