An Economic Analysis of Women Empowerment in South Asia

Abstract

In this extensive study of women's entrepreneurship in South Asia, which includes six countries Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, the dynamics of self-employed females are explored using a careful panel data analysis covering 1991 to 2022. To assess the stability of key variables, the study applies a variety of stationarity tests, while the Pedroni cointegration test is used to investigate long-term correlations. Two alternative models are provided using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression model. The study explores at women's entrepreneurship in South Asia, examining self-employed females in six countries Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka—from 1991 to 2022. The study identifies two models that use the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression after conducting extensive panel data analyses. Model 1 suggests that economic growth may have little impact on self-employed females, but the considerable gender gap coefficient emphasizes the importance of resolving gender imbalances. Model 2 adds a substantial role for GDP growth, underlining the need to minimize gender disparities. The study's findings, which are consistent with liberal feminist perspectives, highlight major factors impacting women's entrepreneurship in the region, giving useful insights for policymakers and scholars seeking to promote inclusive economic development.