Title: The push and pull of women's entrepreneurial aspirations

Authors: Meghna Chhabra; Laurent Vilaine; Rahul Pratap Singh Kaurav; Daniel Suissa; Ridhi Khattar

Addresses: Delhi School of Business, AU-Block (Outer Ring Road) Pitampura, New Delhi, 110034, India ' Catholic University of Lyon, 10 place des archives, 69002 Lyon, France ' FORE School of Management, Adhitam Kendra, B 18, NRPC Colony, Block B, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi, 110016, India ' Catholic University of Lyon, 10 place des archives, 69002 Lyon, France ' Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Plot A, Manav Rachna Campus Rd, Gadakhor Basti Village, Sector 43, Faridabad, Haryana, 121004, India

Abstract: This study explores women's entrepreneurial motivations and challenges in a cosmopolitan Indian city, focusing on how formal and informal institutions shape their experiences. Through in-depth interviews with 16 female entrepreneurs and an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), key themes were identified to understand the institutional dynamics at play. The findings indicate that informal institutions, such as family support and cultural norms, positively influence entrepreneurial motivations, while formal challenges, including limited access to external financing and a lack of awareness of government support, present notable barriers. Moreover, the study revealed a distinct influence of societal recognition, personal networks, and role models as motivational drivers, with women expressing a strong desire for financial independence and self-identity. However, bureaucratic challenges and gendered stereotypes hinder full access to resources, underscoring the need for targeted policy interventions. This study contributes to the literature on female entrepreneurship by providing a nuanced view of the institutional factors impacting women's business pursuits in emerging economies. Policy recommendations emphasise improving awareness of government programs, expanding financial access, and promoting gender-sensitive policies to foster inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Keywords: formal institutions; informal institutions; institutional theory; women entrepreneurs; entrepreneurial barriers; entrepreneurial motives.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2026.155698

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2026 Vol.59 No.1, pp.46 - 72

Received: 13 Feb 2025
Accepted: 09 Apr 2025
Published online: 11 Aug 2026 *

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