CHALLENGES FACED BY ETHNIC MINORITY FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

The world has witnessed the emergence of a significant number and variety of female entrepreneurial activities in recent years. Yet, very little is known about the extent and nature of female ethnic minority involvement in entrepreneurial activity. This study aims to identify the major challenges faced by ethnic minority female entrepreneurs of Sri Lanka. This research adopts a social constructionist and narrative approach recognized as effective in exploring experience through stories. Ten ethnic minority female entrepreneurs were purposively approached and interviewed for this study. The outcomes had been similarly triangulated via the adoption of a concurrent triangulation method. The thematic analysis was used to examine the gathered data. The findings indicate that ethnic female entrepreneurs’ network relationship with the mainstream group, cultural and religious influences, language, access to finance, and lack of education are the main challenges. Moreover, the perceived discrimination faced in the mainstem society discourages many entrepreneurial activities. Understanding the challenges faced by female ethnic entrepreneurs when running a business in Sri Lanka has essential ramifications for aspiring female entrepreneurs, academics, and policymakers to encourage entrepreneurship.