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Empowering Low-Income Women through Entrepreneurship: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Access to Financial Resources

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  • Nor Hidayatun Abdul Razak

    (Faculty of Business Management, University Teknologi MARA, Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, Pahang)

  • Faizan Abd Jabar

    (Faculty of Business Management, University Teknologi MARA, Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, Pahang)

  • Norlaili Harun

    (Faculty of Business Management, University Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor)

Abstract

This research explores the role of self-efficacy and access to resources in empowering low-income women through entrepreneurship. A qualitative approach was used in data collection based on semi-structured questions. Purposive sampling was used, involving 10 low-income women that supported families with entrepreneurship activities. The findings indicated that the self-effort in improving the household income contributed to the involvement in the entrepreneurship activities among respondents. However, their entrepreneurship activities are purposely meant to just fulfil household needs. Although a few made some efforts to expand the entrepreneurship activities outside of their neighborhood as well as using technology like WhatsApp and Facebook, it is still limited to the surrounding area close to the neighborhood or at their working places. In fact, with limited access and knowledge of entrepreneurship grants or funding agencies, these respondents will continuously focus on the same target market and stagnant productivity. Thus, there will be no growth in productivity and income generation. The findings of this study significantly contributed to the existing body of knowledge on the role of self-efficacy among low-income women in entrepreneurship activities to support household income. It also offers a useful view on actions that should be taken by the agencies in approaching low-income women in support of entrepreneurship activities for economic well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Nor Hidayatun Abdul Razak & Faizan Abd Jabar & Norlaili Harun, 2025. "Empowering Low-Income Women through Entrepreneurship: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Access to Financial Resources," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(1), pages 5006-5018, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:1:p:5006-5018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Morris, Michael H. & Santos, Susana C. & Neumeyer, Xaver, 2020. "Entrepreneurship as a solution to poverty in developed economies," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 63(3), pages 377-390.
    2. Isa, Filzah Md & Muhammad, Nik Maheran Nik & Ahmad, Azizah & Noor, Shaista & Institute of Research, Asian, 2021. "Effect of ICT on Women Entrepreneur Business Performance: Case of Malaysia," OSF Preprints yqkxf, Center for Open Science.
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