Breaking Barriers: A Qualitative Exploration of Challenges in Accessing Financial Resources and Funding for Women Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has a central place in economic growth, employment, and social development, especially in underdeveloped nations like Bangladesh. The contribution of women entrepreneurs to gender equality and poverty reduction is an activity that women entrepreneurs in this area find to be extremely challenging due to the barriers imposed on them by patriarchal norms, inaccessibility to finances and institutional prejudice. This thesis addresses these issues and concentrates on how the socio-cultural norms, including the traditional gender roles and restrictions in mobility, and economic forces interact to limit women in business. The key objective of the research is to explore the multidimensional challenges to access financial resources, such as bank loans, microfinance, and digital finance, and to find ways of empowerment. Literature review presents the synthesis of peer-reviewed articles on women entrepreneurship in Bangladesh based on peer-reviewed sources, including JSTOR and SpringerLink, and revolves around the themes of financial exclusion and gender biases in lending and the effects of COVID. Among the outstanding works, one could note the high interest rates, collateral requirements, and stereotyping of cultures that were dam aging to women as opposed to men. As a method, the given qualitative study implies in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively chosen women entrepreneurs of different spheres and regions (urban and rural). Secondary sources, such as reports by other organizations, such as the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and the World Bank, were also used in data collection. Thematic analysis was performed to determine patterns, which had rigor assured by means of triangulation, member checking, and ethical aspects such as informed consent and anonymity. The findings were that male constructs tend to enforce the female roles as homemakers, causing psychological constraints such as low self-esteem and limited freedom of movement, especially in rural societies where access to financial services is half the rate of cities. Discrimination in loaning procedures and the absence of collateral (in 90% of women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)) were institutional issues that drive entrepreneurs to exploitative informal lending at 20-30% Interest rates. Nonetheless, resilience can be created with the help of digital tools (e.g., bKash) and microfinance by non-governmental organizations (e.g., BRAC), and women resort to peer networks, pre-orders, and online sales. The research highlights the importance of gender-sensitive policies to develop inclusive growth which is in line with SD Goal 1 (no poverty) and 5 (gender equality).