EXPLORING MOTIVATIONS AND CHALLENGES OF FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY OF SRI LANKA

Abstract

"This study investigates the motivations and challenges of female entrepreneurs in the creative industry of Sri Lanka. This industry has attracted limited academic attention in previous Sri Lankan studies, particularly in view of gender based entrepreneurial experiences. Purposive sampling was used to identify 19 female entrepreneurs for the qualitative study, and data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings show that these entrepreneurs are motivated by a need for creative expression, financial independence, and the support of their social networks, which include family and friends. Resilience, preserving cultures, and social impact fuel their business endeavours. However, they face significant challenges such as financial and resource limits, societal expectations, gender biases, and issues integrating their business and artistic identities with personal and familial obligations. The study highlights the need to eliminate structural challenges and enhance support structures to help entrepreneurs succeed. This study provides new empirical evidence on how Sri Lankan female entrepreneurs manage creativity, resilience, and gendered limitations, providing theoretical implications for entrepreneurship and creative industry development.