Empowerment of Rural Women Entrepreneurs through Small and Medium Enterprise (SME): A Sociological Analysis

Abstract

In contemporary society, empowering rural women entrepreneurs through small and medium enterprise (SME) development is a critical area of study that intersects sociology and economics. This qualitative research aims to explore and analyze the dynamics of empowerment among rural women engaged in SMEs, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and the societal impact of their entrepreneurial endeavors. The primary objective is to understand how participation in SMEs influences the empowerment of rural women from a sociological perspective. The specific aim is to gain insights into the socio-cultural and economic factors that influence the empowerment of these women, contributing to the broader understanding of gender dynamics within rural entrepreneurial contexts. This study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing in-depth interviews as the primary data collection method. A purposive sampling technique has been used to select rural women entrepreneurs involved in various SME activities. The data has been collected from 50 rural women entrepreneurs (30 entrepreneurs in Chashara, Narayanganj, and 20 entrepreneurs in Khaleast, Munshiganj) through semi-structured interviews, allowing for a nuanced exploration of the women's experiences, motivations, constraints, and perceived outcomes related to their entrepreneurial journeys. A six-step thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006) has been used to identify recurring patterns, themes, and narratives within the collected data, providing rich insights into the empowerment processes at play. The findings highlight multifaceted dimensions of empowerment experienced by rural women entrepreneurs in SMEs. These women often perceive empowerment as encompassing economic independence, enhanced decision-making abilities within households and communities, increased self-confidence, and expanded social networks. viii Moreover, findings suggest that access to resources, support networks, and entrepreneurial skills training significantly contribute to their empowerment trajectories. The study also identifies challenges faced by these entrepreneurs, including gender-based constraints, cultural and political difficulties, limited access to markets, and insufficient support from formal and legislative institutions. The research makes significant theoretical and practical contributions to the understanding and promotion of empowerment among rural women entrepreneurs engaged in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Theoretically, the study enriches existing literature by illuminating the complex of socio-cultural dynamics and contextual factors that influence women's empowerment within the SME sector. It deepens our understanding of how economic activities intersect with gender roles, identities, and power relations in rural settings. It provides insights into the nuanced pathways through which women's agency and socio-economic autonomy can be fostered. Moreover, the practical implications of this research are substantial. The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and stakeholders involved in supporting rural women entrepreneurs. By highlighting the importance of targeted interventions such as access to resources, skills development, and inclusive policy frameworks, the study informs the design and implementation of effective programs to promote women's empowerment and sustainable entrepreneurship in rural contexts. This research underscores the transformative potential of SMEs in advancing gender equality and inclusive economic development agendas, contributing to academic discourse and real-world initiatives.