Enabling Factors for Women Entrepreneurs in Education: Case of Private Schools

Abstract

This research paper explored deep into understanding what factors contribute to the success of women entrepreneurs within the private school sector of Pakistan. A qualitative research approach was employed, focusing on phenomenology, specifically transcendental phenomenology. This allowed the researcher to uncover the factors that enable success through the real-life experiences of the participants. To gather qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted with accomplished women entrepreneurs, carefully chosen through purposive sampling to match the study's objective.

From these six in-depth interviews, the researcher discovered ten key factors that play a pivotal role in enabling women's success. These factors cover a range of aspects including the support they receive from family and spouses, their desire for financial independence, their courage to take risks, their educational degree and knowledge, their access to financial support, the influence of socio-cultural support, their need for achievement, self-confidence, high motivation, and their contributions to family income.

The synergy of these diverse factors was found to be crucial in shaping the journey of successful women entrepreneurs in the private schools. Based on these insights, it's suggested that it's time for a reevaluation of government policies related to private schools. These policies should be revamped to create an environment that offers more opportunities for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, targeted awareness sessions for private schools are proposed, shedding light on how women can access quick loans from financial institutions designed to support them. This approach not only equips women entrepreneurs to handle financial challenges but also encourages the growth of their school businesses.