Title: EXPLORING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM OF MUSLIM WOMEN: A SWOT ANALYSIS IN THE EVOLVING ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL CONTEXTS
Authors: Md Faizul Haque and Dr. Suresh Sah
Abstract:

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in driving economic growth and fostering social development, yet the participation of marginalized groups, particularly Muslim women, remains underexplored. This study examines the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Muslim women, focusing on their strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats within the rapidly evolving economic, social, and political landscape. The problem stems from systemic barriers such as financial exclusion, socio-religious discrimination, and limited policy representation, which hinder their entrepreneurial endeavors despite their resilience and cultural adaptability. The purpose of this study is to analyze the entrepreneurial journey of Muslim women through a SWOT analysis framework to provide actionable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and entrepreneurs. This study utilizes secondary data from scholarly articles, government reports, and documented case studies to categorize factors influencing entrepreneurship into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The principal results reveal that while Muslim women entrepreneurs demonstrate strong cultural resilience, community support, and increasing access to education, they face significant barriers such as limited financial resources, restrictive social norms, and inadequate representation in policymaking. On the other hand, digital platforms, global movements for diversity and inclusion, and supportive government policies offer promising opportunities for growth. However, socio-political instability, global competition, and resistance from conservative factions pose persistent threats. The major conclusions suggest that targeted interventions, including inclusive policies, entrepreneurial education, and leveraging digital technologies, are essential to empowering Muslim women entrepreneurs. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, their contributions to economic development and social equity can be significantly enhanced. This study underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between economic, social, and political factors shaping their entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Keywords: SWOT analysis, entrepreneurial ecosystem, socio-cultural challenges, digital platforms, inclusive policies.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38193/IJRCMS.2025.7108
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Date of Publication: 01-02-2025
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