Barriers for Women Entrepreneurship Operating in the SME Sector Sri Lanka

The purpose of this study is to explore the barriers to women entrepreneurship operating in the Sri Lankan Small and Medium-Scale Enterprise sector (SME). This study followed a qualitative approach primarily based on narratives. Eight female entrepreneurs were approached and interviewed. The sample was identified using purposeful sampling designs, and the data collection techniques were appropriately adopted to attain the study's goals. Thematic analysis was used to analyze and interpret the data collected from the interviewees. According to the data analysis, the research findings underscore the need for women entrepreneurs to be empowered and supported in their success by recognizing major constraints. The study contributes to the literature by combining the themes found in the study and provides a new contribution to the literature on women entrepreneurship. It enriches and presents new aspects to outline female entrepreneurs in the Sri Lankan SME sector.