Abstract:
Even though Sri Lanka has achieved gender parity in educational access, women's economic
engagement is still far behind in women-run small and medium-sized businesses. Most women
find it difficult to move away from informal SMEs. The purpose of the study is to explore the
factors that affect the sustainability of women entrepreneurs in Northern Province. The
researcher adopted quantitative research methodology; convenient sampling method was
applied to select respondents; and structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data in this
study. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to determine the factors affecting women
entrepreneurs' success. The result of the study revealed the five factors that hinder the progress
of women entrepreneurs in the crisis environment in the Northern Province. Research findings
revealed that culture and gender role is the major challenge of women entrepreneurs in the
crisis environment; the second important factor is business sustainability, the third factor is
lack of priorities and welfare programs, then the raw material is ranked and finally, marketing
is ranked as fifth factor. The study offers valuable information to understand the phenomenon
of women entrepreneurs in crisis environments. This research revealed considerable
implications for decision-makers to understand the problems of women-led enterprises in the
crisis context in Northern Province. Women entrepreneurs require training to develop and
enhance their business skills and knowledge which will help build resilience building. Second, All governance and nongovernment agencies should address the specific challenges of women
entrepreneurs and special privileges to access the resources and services considering their both family and business lives. This kind of support will empower and motivate women
entrepreneurs.
