V3I1P22

Structural and Invisible Economic Constraints on the Sustainability of Women Entrepreneurship in Punjab: A Systematic Review

Ms. Sharanjit Kaur¹*

Abstract

Women entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a pivotal catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and social empowerment, particularly in emerging economies like India. In Punjab, however, women-led enterprises encounter a combination of structural constraints including limited access to finance, regulatory complexity, and inadequate market linkages and invisible socio-cultural barriers such as gender bias, family responsibilities, and restricted professional networks. These multifaceted challenges significantly affect the sustainability and scalability of women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This systematic review synthesizes existing literature to examine the barriers, enablers, and strategies that influence the long-term viability of women entrepreneurship in Punjab. The review highlights that while government initiatives, skill development programs, and digital technology adoption offer promising avenues for growth, persistent socio-cultural norms and institutional gaps continue to hinder enterprise sustainability. The findings underscore the necessity for holistic, context-specific interventions that address both formal and informal constraints, enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute meaningfully to regional economic development.

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Keywords:

Women Entrepreneurship in Punjab; MSME; Structural Barriers; Socio-Cultural Constraints; Sustainability and Enterprise Growth