Identifying Drivers of Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs Against Institutional Threats Using Meta-Synthesis Method

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 New Business Department, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Faculty of Management and Economics، Azad University Science and Research Branch-Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: Women's entrepreneurship has made significant progress in recent years due to its potential to stimulate economic growth and foster social change. However, numerous institutional and social challenges continue to hinder their success and growth. These barriers include inequality in access to resources, weaknesses in supportive legislation, limitations in social capital, managerial challenges, institutional discrimination (such as gender norms and financial barriers), lack of guidance and successful role models, and economic instability, which make the entrepreneurial path more challenging for women. Therefore, identifying the empowerment drivers for women entrepreneurs in effectively facing these challenges has become an urgent necessity within the field of entrepreneurship research. This study aims to identify and analyze the key drivers of empowerment for women entrepreneurs in the face of institutional and social challenges. Given the increasing importance of women's entrepreneurship in the economic and social development of societies, recognizing drivers that significantly contribute to their empowerment is crucial for sustainable growth.

Method: This research employs a meta-synthesis approach, relying on library-based methods to gather secondary data. A comprehensive review of informational resources was performed, alongside the interpretation of primary data drawn from selected studies. Based on its objectives, this study is classified as applied research and qualitative in terms of data type. To execute this study, Sandelowski's proposed method for conducting meta-synthesis was utilized, allowing for a systematic evaluation of relevant studies published in reputable international scientific databases. The relationship and quality of the identified articles were assessed using various criteria, including critical appraisal skills. Ultimately, 41 articles published between 2020 and 2024 were selected as eligible studies and analyzed in detail to derive meaningful insights.

Results: The results of the content evaluation of the articles indicate several drivers, such as network support, institutional facilitation, culture and gender differences, social support, access to financial resources, emotional intelligence, and supporters. Among these factors, "culture and gender differences" have been identified with the highest significance coefficient, establishing them as key influencers in shaping women's entrepreneurial processes. Furthermore, the findings suggest that effective communication and establishing strong social networks can significantly contribute to empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting their empowerment. Additionally, the results highlight a dynamic interaction between institutional threats (such as inequalities in resource access and weak supportive legislation) and empowerment drivers, which is comprehensively framed within the proposed conceptual framework.

Conclusion: The existing literature on empowering women entrepreneurs has led to somewhat contradictory findings, highlighting the need for greater attention in this area for future research. This study presents a conceptual model that comprehensively elucidates the integrated interaction between institutional threats and empowerment drivers. Most existing studies have focused on examining the backgrounds of empowerment for women entrepreneurs, showing that the categories of culture and gender differences hold the highest importance. Whereas social support, network support, access to financial resources, emotional intelligence, and supporters are also considered important factors, financial support is recognized as having the lowest coefficient of importance. These findings can significantly assist policymakers in designing supportive and developmental programs for women entrepreneurs, leading to improved conditions and facilities for them in the entrepreneurial space.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Volume 18, Issue 4
October 2025
Pages 182-209

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