Women are south Asia’s ‘silent contributors’ – changing that could transform economies
Jayawardena, Nirma S.
Jayawardena, Nirma S.
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2025-03-26
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© 2025 The Author. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/)
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Abstract
Government programs such as "Digital India," "Startup Bangladesh," “InnovaBiz Interest Relief Program” in Sri Lanka, and "Pakistan Vision 2025" aim to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering financial support, skill development, and digital infrastructure that benefit female entrepreneurs. Women-led businesses are thriving on platforms like Meesho (India), Pickaboo (Bangladesh), and Daraz (Pakistan), which enable entrepreneurs to start online stores with minimal investment. Then why are female entrepreneurs being comparatively less in South Asia, according to World Bank reports? Beyond government support, social norms and cultural attitudes, women’s participation significantly impacts female entrepreneurs in South Asia.
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Jayawardena NS (2025) Women are south Asia’s ‘silent contributors’ – changing that could transform economies. The Conversation UK: [Discussion] https://theconversation.com/women-are-south-asias-silent-contributors-changing-that-could-transform-economies-251881
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