Assessing The Impact Of Government Policies On Women Entrepreneurship Growth In Emerging Economies

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of government policies on the growth of women entrepreneurship in emerging economies, with a specific focus on the state of Gujarat, India. As women entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in fostering inclusive economic growth and innovation, understanding how policy frameworks influence their progress is essential for sustainable development. The research explores the effectiveness of various government initiatives such as financial assistance programs, skill development schemes, startup incentives, and institutional support mechanisms designed to promote women-led enterprises. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, emphasizing primary data collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. A sample of 250 women entrepreneurs from urban and semi-urban regions of Gujarat was selected using stratified random sampling. The data analysis involves descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and regression models to identify key factors that significantly affect entrepreneurial success among women. Qualitative insights further enrich the analysis by highlighting the lived experiences and challenges faced by these entrepreneurs in accessing and utilizing government schemes. Findings indicate a positive correlation between awareness and accessibility of policies and the entrepreneurial growth of women. However, barriers such as bureaucratic delays, limited outreach in rural areas, and lack of gender-sensitive support systems continue to hinder policy effectiveness. The study concludes with recommendations to improve the design and delivery of entrepreneurship programs to make them more inclusive and impactful.