Muslim women often avoid engaging in business due to various factors; the most important of which are psychological factors, cultural and social factors, and legal and regulatory factors.

Some of these barriers are as follows: access to capital, networking, and mentorship, work-life balance, lack of confidence and risk aversion, gender bias and discrimination, and lack of representation, education, and training, Muslim women often face difficulties in securing funding due to biases in lending practices, a lack of collateral, or lower credit scores. They may also struggle with work-life balance, as they are often sole caretakers, making it difficult to commit time to start and run a business. 

In this article, we will talk about reasons why Muslim women avoid doing business, especially Indian Muslim women or Asian Muslim women. There are various reasons why Muslim women could steer away from business, which might differ based on psychological, social, cultural, structural, and economic considerations, and also how to overcome these barriers.

BARRIERS TO MUSLIM WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP & HOW TO OVERCOME THEM:

There are many barriers to Muslim women's entrepreneurship, starting with the psychological, social, cultural, economic, structural, etc. But there is always a solution to every problem. So, I will tell you in detail what are the barriers Muslim women face while starting a business and how they can overcome them

Psychological Aspects:

One of the major barriers to Muslim women's entrepreneurship is psychology. There are various psychological aspects, I will list a few psychological factors hindering Muslim women's entrepreneurship

Lack of Self-Confidence: 

Lack of self-confidence hinders the growth of every woman in general while planning to start a business, whether offline or online. 

As a result of cultural conditioning, Muslim women lack confidence in their capacity to thrive in the economic world. They underestimate themselves and are afraid of failing their business without even giving it a try. Muslim women might be more fearful of failure in the workplace than men are, or they might have lower self-confidence. The causes of this are gender norms and society's expectations.

Suggestion/Advice: 

Unlike men, women are equally capable of doing great things in their lives; if they decide to do something, they can achieve it with their hard work and dedication. Risk and failure are part of your success story. Sometimes, one has to take a risk to see how far we reach in life. So, fly your wings, and give your best. There is a whole new world waiting for you to help you, support you, and see you grow in life. There might be some people who might criticize you no matter what you do, and you just need to ignore them. It's your life, and you are the main character of your story, nobody gets to decide for you but YOU!

Fear of Failure: 

Fear of the negative financial or social effects of doing business. Fear of failing your business and losing all your investment and fear of disappointing your family. 

Suggestion/Advice: 

Entrepreneurship is all about taking risks; you cannot run a business without facing losses. There is no such thing as 100% profit or 0 risk or loss in business. You need to start, you might face a business initially, but you might as well do well in the long run. No business starts making profits from Day 1. It takes time, patience, hard work, and dedication to grow a business, just like how you start planting with a seed and eventually how it grows into a full-fledged plant.

Social and Cultural Aspects: 

Apart from psychological barriers, social and cultural barriers also hinder Muslim women's entrepreneurship. I will list a few social and cultural barriers to Muslim women's entrepreneurship;

Cultural Norms and Traditions: 

Gender roles that are ingrained in many nations with a majority of Muslims may dissuade women from entering the economic world. Gender discrimination has always hindered women from growing in their lives. Since ancient times, patriarchal society has divided their roles and responsibilities based on gender. Working and doing business were considered a man’s job rather than a woman’s.

Suggestion/Advice: 

There is no such thing as business for men. Women are equally eligible to start their businesses if they have sufficient investment and a good business idea in their minds. No woman should give up their dreams just because some people around you don't understand your worth support you or criticize you for no reason. There are many successful Muslim Women Entrepreneurs across the world, who are leading this world to a better future.

Family Responsibilities: 

Women are frequently the ones to take care of the home and children, which can take time and energy away from pursuing their careers. Married women have to take care of their husbands, children, and in-laws, so they don’t get enough time to run a business.

Suggestion/Advice:

I understand that, as women, we have to take care of people around us, be it our parents, spouses, children, siblings, or in-laws, and sometimes, we as a woman lose our identity in the process. We forget we are equally capable of fulfilling our dreams. If you are short on time, you can always do a partnership with your family members; be it your husband, brothers, sisters, or children. Or you can do a business which requires less time and effort.

Lack of Support Networks:

Women might not have access to mentors or professional networks that could aid them in navigating the business environment.

Suggestion/Advice:

It is one of the most common issues a Muslim woman faces while starting a business online. As an entrepreneur, you need to have professional networking and connections, it helps you grow faster and make your entrepreneur journey smoother. 

But, it is not mandatory to have mentors or networking groups to start an online business. We live in a digital world, which has made it quite easier for us to get access to anything, anytime or anywhere! You can use AI tools, watch videos online, or connect with Muslim women on LinkedIn to build a Muslim women entrepreneurs community and help other women grow and shine together.

Economic Aspects:

This is the most realistic reason, why Muslim women give up on starting their businesses whether online or offline. Most of the time they lack enough capital and resources. I will state a few economic barriers to Muslim women's entrepreneurship below;

Restricted Access to Capital: 

A lack of collateral or discriminatory policies may make it difficult for women to get loans or other assistance. Some countries have made more relaxed laws for women, but there are still some countries where you will have to go through a lengthy process to take a loan or start something, and due to this, most Muslim women give up on their business startups before even starting.

Suggestion/Advice: 

You can always consult your family, spouse, or siblings regarding financial matters. It is always better to ask for financial assistance from your family than anyone else! Or you can use your savings or jewelry, etc. Once your business is established, you can always pay them later or buy more jewelry.

Education and Training: 

Muslim women may have fewer options for education and business training in some areas. Muslim Women lack access to good education and training needed to understand the basics of a business, which hinders their growth and development significantly.

Suggestion/Advice: 

Most people believe it is important to have a business or management degree to start their own business. But it is not entirely true, although having a degree in business or management may come in handy. You can always do business without a degree. You can learn the basics through YouTube, or consult a friend or family, who has their own business for good advice.

Structural Aspects:

Legal Restrictions: 

It may be difficult for women to own or manage businesses in some countries due to legal restrictions. There are various barriers and hindrances to starting a business in the majority of the countries which makes it difficult to get a license to start your own business. 

Suggestion/Advice: 

It could be a major hindrance if there are legal restrictions, but over time, even the majority of Muslim countries have introduced more relaxed laws and policies related to women. You can check which businesses are legally approved in your country and plan for them!

You can also seek help from an experienced lawyer or someone in your circle who is studying law or working as a professional lawyer for better guidance on legal issues in your own country.

Mobility and Safety: 

Most Women find it difficult to travel alone for business-related purposes and have personal safety and mobility concerns. Especially Muslim Women found themselves in more difficult situations while traveling alone. 

Suggestion/Advice: 

If you are planning to start an online business, your chances of traveling will be low. But, if you are planning to start an offline business or expand your business across the world, then you might need to travel often. But you can always travel with your partner, a family member, or a friend.

Conclusion:

Despite these challenges, many Muslim women successfully navigate these barriers and run thriving businesses. The landscape is gradually changing with increased advocacy, education, and support for women's entrepreneurship in various Asian countries and Muslim-majority countries. There are always be people who will not support you or criticize you, and they shouldn't be the one to hinder your growth and development in life, rather do better make your dreams come true and prove to them, that you are not someone to be taken lightly. You have what it takes to do a successful business. You are strong, you can achieve great things in life if you set your mind to it. Nobody can define your worth, only you. There are many successful Muslim women entrepreneurs fulfilling their dreams, flying high in the sky. Take inspiration from them. If they can do it, why cannot you? Allah created us all and we are no less than the others.

I can't help but think of the Muslim leader Khadija Radia Allah Anha when I consider women in business. The Prophet (peace be upon him) had her as his first wife. She was also a prosperous businesswoman, leading one of the most significant caravan businesses of her era. She was wise, well-respected, and astute in business. She sat such a historical example of successful Muslim Women Entrepreneurship

I hope this article will uplift the spirits of Muslim women or women in general, and they will focus on achieving their goals without anything hindering their growth. 

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