dentifying Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs of Kermanshah Province

Abstract1
A significant increase of employed women is an undeniable fact of Iranian
society. Yet, social studies show that only limited number of employed women is
becoming entrepreneurs. Suitable socio-cultural context is essential for the
emergence of entrepreneurial activities. Study the problems of women
entrepreneurs contribute to identify existing constraints, the revision of the future
path and ultimately increase their personal and social efficiency.Therefore, the
purpose of this paper was to examine the problems and constraints faced by women
entrepreneurs in the process of their entrepreneurial activities. This study was
conducted by qualitative paradigm and grounded theory approach. Semi-structured
interviews and taking notes were used for data collection. Study started with
Purposeful sampling and during the evolution of classes, followed by theoretical
sampling. Data was analyzed using comparative analysis as suggested by Strauss
and Corbin. 15 women entrepreneurs participated in this study that working in
three sectors (industry, agriculture and services). The Results showed that women
entrepreneurs are faced with the financial, marketing, personality, family, cultural,
and scientific challenges. Lack of access to capital, distrust of banks and investors
to women, lack of access to the market, existence of midlemen and brokers, lack of
legal knowledge, knowledge of accounting and finance, conflict of roles, stress,
discrimination, the existence of patriarchy culture in society and fear of failure are
some of these problems.