This study explores the contribution
of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector to the social and economic
development of women, focusing specifically on women entrepreneurs and rural
women working under their leadership to meet their financial needs. The
research reveals that the majority of women in Jessore are engaged in the
handicraft sector, a field that is well-known both domestically and
internationally. However, there has been limited research on this sector.
According to previous reports on women entrepreneurs, the handicraft business
constitutes a significant portion of their enterprises, with 20% of the respondents
involved in this industry. The study highlights the vast opportunities in
Jessore for promoting the economic development of women entrepreneurs and
contributing to the broader national economy through the SME sector. By
identifying these opportunities, the study aims to understand how women are
advancing in their businesses and which factors can further aid their
development. A sample of 130 women entrepreneurs in the handicraft sector was
selected using systematic random sampling. An interview schedule was created to
collect data on demographic profiles, the characteristics of the women
entrepreneurs and their enterprises, and factors influencing their performance.
The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS and other statistical
techniques.
