Title: Participation of rural women in entrepreneurship: a systematic review

Authors: Pragati Kumari; Jatin Kumar Jaiswal; Virginie Hachard; Igor Laine; Rachana Vishwakarma; Brajesh Kumar

Addresses: Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, India ' Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, India ' Ecole de Management de Normandie, 20 quai Frissard, 76600 Le Havre, France ' LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34B, 53850 Lappeenranta, Finland ' Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, India ' Department of Commerce and Business Studies, Central University of South Bihar, India

Abstract: Promoting entrepreneurship among rural women is essential for fostering socio-economic growth and inclusive development in India. This study systematically reviews the state of rural women's entrepreneurship, exploring relevant theories, key antecedents, and emerging dimensions in the field. Guided by the ADO and TCM frameworks, the study employs a systematic literature review of 78 peer-reviewed documents indexed in Scopus, spanning 1996 to 2024. Key findings reveal six predominant dimensions of rural women's entrepreneurship and 21 antecedents that reflect shifts in entrepreneurial communities, especially in rural areas. Despite significant growth in the literature, limited theoretical integration highlights a gap in current research. Practical implications underscore the need for policy and managerial initiatives focused on overcoming gender-based challenges, supporting financial accessibility, and promoting digital literacy and skill development. The study offers a comprehensive synthesis to inform policy interventions and future research aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs and advancing sustainable rural economies.

Keywords: women entrepreneurship; rural areas; systematic literature review; SLR; TCM-ADO framework.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2026.153131

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2026 Vol.58 No.1, pp.1 - 29

Received: 29 Oct 2024
Accepted: 01 Dec 2024
Published online: 23 Apr 2026 *

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