Mapping the landscape of women entrepreneurs in micro and small enterprises: Trends, themes, and insights through systematic review and text mining.

Abstract

Background: This study explores the pivotal role of women entrepreneurs in fostering economic growth and social transformation, focusing on micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Despite the significant rise in women entrepreneurship, challenges persist, including gender-based barriers, limited access to capital, and regional disparities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for formulating policies that support and empower women entrepreneurs.

Method: The present study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), an advanced topic modeling technique, to identify prevalent themes within the literature. Data was extracted from Scopus-indexed journals (2000-2024), systematically filtered, and analyzed to uncover key patterns in women entrepreneurship research.

Results: The analysis identifies four central themes: (1) Women in Entrepreneurship and Gender Roles, (2) Small Business and Women Enterprises, (3) Social Impact of Women Entrepreneurs, and (4) Challenges Faced by Female Entrepreneurs. The findings highlight the transformative potential of digital platforms in enhancing business opportunities for women and addressing traditional constraints, such as mobility and market access.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance digital literacy, bridge socio-cultural disparities, and establishing inclusive policies that foster a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. By synthesizing existing literature, this research provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders to strengthen women-led enterprises and drive gender-equitable growth.