EXPLORING THE CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS TO WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE NEPALESE FOOD INDUSTRY

Women entrepreneurship has gained popularity globally over the past few decades because it increases productivity, innovation, and economic prosperity, reduces poverty, and creates jobs. Women have shown increased interest in the Nepalese food industry, and several have begun their careers to improve their living standards and social status. However, past studies showed that women entrepreneurs still face significant barriers despite an increasing number of start-up businesses in the food industry. Few researchers have discussed the barriers women entrepreneurs face in Nepal, and none have examined the barriers women entrepreneurs face in the food industry, which leaves a research gap. The current study aims to examine the barriers that women entrepreneurs face that limit their business involvement in the Nepalese food industry. From a social constructivist perspective, utilising an inductive approach and a case study strategy, in-depth interviews with 25 women entrepreneurs were conducted in Nepal. This paper provides some insights into how barriers faced by women entrepreneurs in Nepal could be mitigated.