Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in the development of India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Incorporation and manage their own business, women get economic freedom and become active contributors to their domestic group and communities. There is no only income provided for their families but though also create employment opportunities for others, particularly for women and youth. Women-owned MSMEs are particularly important rural and semi urban area, as they contribute to strengthening economic development, support the utilization of local resources and raise the standard of living. Participation across such sectors by women enterprises, as manufacturing of product, services, handicrafts, food processing, agriculture-based industries and small trade, enhance economic diversity, resilience and long term sustain growth. Despite their increasing presence, women entrepreneurs regularly face numerous obstacles that limit the growth of their enterprises. Financial resources in limited access is still an obstacle, since many women are unable to secure funds because of the absence of assets for securities, limited credit experience, and insufficient knowledge of institutional financial facilities. Furthermore, inadequate access to entrepreneurial education, poor digital competencies, and a lack of awareness of market development weaken their capacity to compete and grow. Cultural expectations and domestic obligations also influence women’s freedom of movement, authority in decision making and the time they can devote to business operations. Although several government schemes and institutions initiatives have been launched to promote women entrepreneurship, factors such as limited awareness, complicated procedures, and insufficient support at the grassroots level hinder many women from effectively availing themselves of these benefits. Women entrepreneurs, therefore, serves as a vital avenue for reinforcing the MSMEs sector and fostering inclusive economic development in India. Establishing an enabling environment that ensures improved access to finance, cost effective skill enhancement initiatives, digital literacy training, mentoring support and robust market connections is imperative. Assistance from self help groups, cooperative, banking institutions and grassroots organizations can further strengthen women’s self-belief and entrepreneurial competencies. Encouraging women owned MSEMs not only advances gender equity but also supports poverty alleviation, equitable regional progress and long term sustainable economic growth.
Article DOI: 10.62823/IJARCMSS/8.4(II).8379