Role of entrepreneurial education and perceived opportunity in shaping entrepreneurial intention of female students

Purpose This study investigates the factors that shape female students’ entrepreneurial intention. Its main aim is to examine the effect of entrepreneurial education (EE) and perceived opportunities (PO) on entrepreneurial intention (EI) using the theory of planned behavior in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from female students pursuing business courses in universities in India. Convenience sampling was used to collect data. A structured questionnaire was developed and sent to the female students. A sample of 176 respondents was analyzed using Smart PLS software. Findings The results show that attitude, social norms, entrepreneurial education, and perceived opportunities are significant predictors of female students’ EI. However, self-efficacy has shown an insignificant relationship with entrepreneurial intention. Most female students have a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship. They are motivated and optimistic about opportunities available in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Originality/value Entrepreneurial education and the perceived opportunities for female students have rarely been studied. This study fills this gap in the literature. This makes an effort to understand female students’ entrepreneurial intentions.