Phenomenological insights into socio-psychological and network dynamics of women entrepreneurs

Purpose This study investigates the socio-psychological and network dynamics influencing women’s entrepreneurial journeys in Bangladesh. It focuses on understanding how societal expectations, financial barriers and emotional resilience shape these women’s entrepreneurial experiences and outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 15 women entrepreneurs from various industries in Bangladesh. Thematic analysis was used to identify critical patterns and themes in their experiences. Findings Six major themes emerged from the data: societal biases and constraints, financial hurdles, balancing family and work, psychosocial processes, the impact of social networks and strategic interventions. The findings not only reveal the deeply ingrained gender biases, limited access to financial resources and the emotional toll of juggling professional and domestic responsibilities but also underscore the remarkable resilience of these women in the face of such challenges. Practical implications The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, support organizations and researchers. It underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive financial policies, restructuring mentorship programs to include emotional support and developing cultural awareness campaigns to challenge societal norms that hinder women entrepreneurs. Originality/value This research uniquely contributes to the underexplored psychosocial dimensions of women’s entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. It highlights how emotional resilience and societal dynamics influence entrepreneurial success, offering valuable insights for enhancing support systems for women entrepreneurs.