Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Across Necessity and Opportunity

Women entrepreneurs navigate diverse paths to success, driven by necessity or opportunity. For some, entrepreneurship arises from challenging circumstances. Rina Akter in Bangladesh started a tailoring business to provide for her daughters, while Ou Sokphanna in Cambodia turned to handicrafts to overcome discrimination and support her family.

In contrast, opportunity-driven entrepreneurs identify gaps to innovate and scale. Tran Khanh Dung, founder of the tech startup Rayo, developed web solutions for persons with disabilities. Similarly, Shristi Shrestha launched a company producing biodegradable sanitary pads, combining business with environmental and social impact in Nepal.

Necessity-driven ventures often operate in informal sectors and prioritize survival, while opportunity-driven businesses aim for growth and innovation. Both face challenges, with necessity entrepreneurs often lacking social protection and financial resources, and opportunity-driven founders encountering barriers to funding, networks, and market access. Globally, women-led MSMEs face a $1.7 trillion finance gap, illustrating the systemic hurdles.

Tailored support is essential. Necessity entrepreneurs benefit from community engagement and financial inclusion, while opportunity-driven founders require access to capital, mentorship, and efforts to tackle gender bias in investment. Investing in women-led enterprises has untapped potential to fuel inclusive economic growth, advance gender equality, and create lasting societal change.