Women Entrepreneurs and Well-Being

Abstract

The gender roles forced by societal expectations make entrepreneurship more challenging for women than men. Women entrepreneurs play a critical role in their nations' economies – especially in developing nations. However, the duality of their responsibilities (i.e., work and house domain) can restrain them from prospering in what they do and adversely affect their well-being. Previous studies reveal that, in addition to work-life conflict, factors such as social support, psychological capital, or autonomy impact women entrepreneurs' well-being. Recent research investigated how entrepreneurship serves women at the pyramid's base and framed a model of their well-being. They interviewed women in rural India who engaged in an entrepreneurship program. The findings showed that while some women flourished, others languished after becoming an entrepreneur. © Jean Helms Mills, Albert J. Mills, Kristin S. Williams and Regine Bendl 2025.