CHAPTER-IV

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

INTRODUCTION:
In recent years, the role of women in entrepreneurship has seen a significant transformation,
especially in the context of small businesses. Women entrepreneurs in the Madurai district have emerged
as a strong force contributing to economic development, employment generation, and social
empowerment. Despite their growing presence, they continue to face several challenges related to
finance, social support, access to markets, and institutional assistance. Understanding and analyzing
these challenges through empirical data is crucial to identifying the factors that hinder their
entrepreneurial journey and proposing actionable solutions.

This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the data collected from women entrepreneurs operating small
businesses in the Madurai district. The analysis is based on primary data gathered through structured
questionnaires and is supported by statistical tools such as percentage analysis, chi-square tests,
weighted average method, intensity value method, and Garrett ranking. The findings are systematically
presented in the form of tables and charts to provide a clear understanding of the various dimensions of
challenges faced by the respondents. This chapter aims to bridge the gap between theoretical
understanding and practical realities by interpreting the data to draw meaningful conclusions.

4.1 AGE WISE CLASSIFICATION OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.1
[Link] AGE [Link] PERCENTAGE (%)
1 Below 25 63 63%
2 25-35 12 12%
3 36-45 11 11%
4 Above 45 14 14%
Total 100 100%
INTERPRETATION:
The above (Table 4.1) presents the age-wise classification of the respondents. It is
evident that a significant majority of the respondents, comprising 63%, belong to the age group
of below 25 years, indicating a youthful demographic. The age groups 25–35 years and 36–45
years account for 12% and 11% of the respondents respectively, showing moderate
representation. Meanwhile, 14% of the respondents are from the above 45 years category. This
distribution highlights that the study primarily involved younger individuals, possibly students
or early-career professionals, with limited participation from older age groups.

4.1 AGE WISE CLASSIFICATION

FIGURE 4.1

AGE-WISE CLASSIFICATION

14%
Below 25
11%
25 -35
36 -45
12% 63%
Above 45

4.2 GENDER WISE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.2
[Link] GENDER [Link] PERCENTAGE (%)
1 Male 0 0%
2 Female 100 100%
3 Transgender 0 0%
Total 100 100%
INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.2) illustrates the gender-wise classification of the respondents. It
is clearly observed that 100% of the respondents are female, while there are no male or
transgender participants in the study. This indicates that the survey was conducted exclusively
among female respondents, which may be due to the nature or focus of the research, possibly
targeting women-specific perspectives, experiences, or preferences. The absence of male and
transgender respondents suggests a gender-specific sampling approach or setting, such as a
women’s college or organization.

4.2 GENDER WISE DISTRIBUTION

FIGURE 4.2

GENDER I DENTITY OF RESPONDENTS

Male Female Transgender

4.3 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.3
EDUCATIONAL [Link]
[Link] QUALIFICATION RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Illiterate 1 1%
2 Below 10th 11 11%
3 12th 16 16%
4 Undergraduate 29 29%
5 Postgraduate 43 43%
 TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.3) presents the educational qualification of the respondents. It
reveals that the majority of respondents, 43%, are postgraduates, followed by 29% who are
undergraduates, indicating a highly educated sample population. Additionally, 16% have
completed their 12th grade, while 11% have education below 10th, and only 1% of the
respondents are illiterate. This distribution highlights that the respondents possess a relatively
high level of education, which may influence their awareness, opinions, and decision-making
abilities related to the study topic.

4.3 EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

FIGURE 4.3

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND OF RESPONDENTS

45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

4.4 MARITAL STATUS OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.4
[Link]
[Link] MARITAL STATUS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Single 52 52%
2 Married 44 44%
3 Divorced 4 4%
4 Windowed 0 0%
 TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.4) shows the marital status of the respondents. It indicates that the
majority, 52%, are single, followed closely by 44% who are married, suggesting a balanced
mix of both unmarried and married individuals. A small portion, 4%, of the respondents are
divorced, while there are no widowed participants in the study. This distribution suggests that
the sample includes a diverse range of marital backgrounds, which may offer varied
perspectives relevant to the research, particularly from both unmarried and married individuals.

4.4 MARITAL STATUS

FIGURE 4.4

MARITAL STATUS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Windowe
0
d

Divorced 4

Married 44

Single 52

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
[Link] RESPONDENTS

4.5 AREA OF RESIDENCE

TABLE 4.5
[Link] AREA [Link] PERCENTAGE
(%)
1 Rural 52 52%
2 Urban 48 48%
 Total 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.5) represents the area-wise distribution of the respondents. It shows
that a slightly higher proportion, 52%, belong to rural areas, while the remaining 48% are from
urban areas. This near-equal distribution indicates that the study includes perspectives from
both rural and urban populations, providing a balanced view of opinions or experiences across
different living environments. The inclusion of respondents from diverse geographical
backgrounds enhances the comprehensiveness and relevance of the research findings.

4.5 AREA OF RESIDENCE

FIGURE 4.5

AREA OF RESIDENCE

Rural
48%
52% Urban

4.6 RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.6
[Link]
[Link] RELIGION RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Hindu 85 85%
 2 Christian 11 11%
3 Muslim 4 4%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.6) displays the religious composition of the respondents. It is
evident that the majority, 85%, identify as Hindu, followed by 11% who are Christian, and a
smaller proportion, 4%, who are Muslim. This distribution shows a dominant representation of
the Hindu community in the study, with limited participation from other religious groups. The
data reflects the religious demographics of the sample and may influence the cultural or social
perspectives reflected in the study findings.

4.6 RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION

FIGURE 4.6

RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION OF
RESPONDENTS
90 85
80
70
60
50
40
30
20 11
10 4
0
Hindu Christian Muslim

4.7 FAMILY INCOME OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4.7
[Link]
[Link] FAMILY INCOME RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Below 10,000 22 22%
2 RS. 10,000 -30,000 55 55%
3 RS.30,000-50,000 15 15%
 4 Above 50,000 8 8%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.7) presents the family income distribution of the respondents. It
reveals that the majority, 55%, have a monthly family income between Rs. 10,000 and Rs.
30,000, indicating a predominance of lower-middle-income households. Additionally, 22% of
the respondents fall under the below Rs. 10,000 income category, reflecting economically
weaker sections. A smaller portion, 15%, earn between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 50,000, while only
8% have an income above Rs. 50,000. This data suggests that most respondents belong to
modest-income families, which may influence their lifestyle, spending patterns, and access to
various resources.

4.7 FAMILY INCOME

FIGURE 4.7

FAMILY INCOME OF RESPONDENTS

60
50
40
30
20
10
0

4.8 DURATION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

TABLE 4.8
BUSINESS [Link]
[Link] EXPERIENCE RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Less than 1 year 57 57%
2 1-3 years 20 20%
3 3-5 years 12 12%
 4 More than 5 years 11 11%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table4.8) illustrates the business experience of the respondents. It is

observed that a majority, 57%, have less than 1 year of business experience, indicating that
most of the participants are new or emerging entrepreneurs. Furthermore, 20% have 1–3 years
of experience, 12% have 3– 5 years, and only 11% have been in business for more than 5 years.
This distribution highlights that the sample predominantly consists of individuals in the early
stages of their business journey, which may influence their perspectives, challenges faced, and
the kind of support or guidance they may require.

4.8 BUSINESS EXPERIENCE

FIGURE 4.8

DURATION OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Less than 1 year 57

1-3 years 20

3-5 years 12

More than 5 years 11

4.9 TYPES OF BUSINESS OPERATED

TABLE 4.9
[Link]
[Link] TYPE OF BUSINESS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Manufacturing 20 20%
2 Wholesaler 29 29%
3 Retailer 29 29%
 4 Service/marketing 22 22%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table4.9) presents the distribution of respondents based on the type of
business they are involved in. It shows that 29% of the respondents are engaged in wholesale
and retail businesses, highlighting a significant representation of individuals involved in the
trade and distribution of goods. Additionally, 20% of the respondents are in manufacturing,
while 22% are involved in service or marketing. This indicates a diverse mix of business types
among the respondents, with a notable balance between wholesale, retail, and service-oriented
sectors. The data reflects a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial activities, providing insights into
various business models within the sample.

4.9 TYPES OF BUSINESS OPERATED

FIGURE 4.9

TYPES OF BUSINESS OPERATED

22% 20%

29%
29%

Manufacturing Wholesaler Retailer Service/marketing

4.10 SOURCES OF BUSINESS FUNDING

TABLE 4.10
[Link]
[Link] FUND OF BUSINESS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Personal saving 35 35%
2 Loan from bank 29 29%
 3 Government schemes 17 17%
4 Family/friends 19 19%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.10 )illustrates the sources of funding for the respondents’
businesses. It shows that the largest proportion, 35%, of respondents have funded their
businesses using personal savings, indicating a high level of self-reliance. 29% have acquired
loans from banks, reflecting the reliance on formal financial institutions for business capital.
Additionally, 17% of the respondents have utilized government schemes, and 19% have
received funding from family and friends. This distribution highlights the diverse ways in
which businesses are financed, with a combination of personal, external, and institutional
sources of funding contributing to the establishment and growth of the businesses.

4.10 SOURCES OF BUSINESS FUNDING

FIGURE 4.10

SOURCES OF BUSINESS FUNDING

FAMILY/FRIENDS

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

LOAN FROM BANK

PERSONAL SAVING

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
 4.11 DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING BUSINESS FUNDING

TABLE 4.11
OBTAIN FUNDING FOR YOUR [Link]
[Link] BUSINESS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Very difficult 32 32%
2 Difficult 38 38%
3 Manageable 27 27%
4 Not difficult at all 3 3%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.11) reflects the difficulty level experienced by respondents in
obtaining funding for their businesses. A majority of 38% of the respondents find it difficult to
secure funding, while 32% consider it very difficult, suggesting that accessing financial
resources is a significant challenge for many entrepreneurs. A smaller proportion, 27%, find
the process of obtaining funding to be manageable, and only 3% report that it is not difficult at
all. This distribution highlights the financial hurdles faced by most business owners, with many
struggling to access necessary funds to grow or sustain their businesses.

4.11 BUSINESS FUNDING

FIGURE 4.11
 DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING BUSINESS FUNDING

3%

27% 32% Very difficult

Difficult
Manageable
Not difficult at all

38%

4.12 CHALLENGES IN FINANCIAL ACCESS

TABLE 4.12
CHALLENGES IN FINANCIAL [Link]
[Link] ACCESS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Lack of collateral 15 15%
2 High- interest rates 46 46%
3 Complex application processes 24 24%
4 Lack of financial literacy 15 15%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.12) highlights the challenges faced by respondents in accessing
financial resources for their businesses. A significant 46% of respondents identify high-interest
rates as the primary challenge, indicating that the cost of borrowing is a major obstacle. 24%
of respondents cite complex application processes as a barrier, while 15% each report
challenges due to lack of collateral and lack of financial literacy. This distribution reveals that
while high borrowing costs are the most pressing issue, there are also notable concerns related
to the complexity of financial procedures and limited understanding of financial concepts, all
of which hinder the ability of entrepreneurs to secure necessary funding.

4.12 CHALLENGES IN FINANCIAL ACCESS

FIGURE 4.12
 CHALLENGES IN FINANCIAL ACCESS

50
40
30
20
10
0
[Link] RESPONDENTS

Lack of collateral High- interest rates

Complex application processes Lack of financial literacy

4.13 PERCEPTION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT ADEQUACY

TABLE 4.13
[Link] FINANCIAL SUPPORT ADEQUACY [Link] RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Highly adequate 26 26%
2 Adequate 53 53%
3 Highly inadequate 16 16%
4 Somewhat inadequate 5 5%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.13) shows the respondents’ perception of the adequacy of financial
support received for their businesses. A majority of 53% feel that the support is adequate, and
26% consider it highly adequate, indicating that most respondents are generally satisfied with
the financial assistance they have received. On the other hand, 16% believe the support is highly
inadequate, and 5% feel it is somewhat inadequate, reflecting that a minority still face gaps in
financial support. Overall, the data suggests that while financial support is considered sufficient
by most, there remains a portion of respondents who feel underserved.

4.13 PERCEPTION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT ADEQUACY

 FIGURE 4.13

PERCEPTION OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT

ADEQUACY
Highly adequate Adequate Highly inadequate Somewhat inadequate

5%
16% 26%

53%

4.14 ACCESSIBILITY OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

TABLE 4.14
[Link] ACCESSIBLE OF [Link] PERCENTAGE
TRANSPORTATION (%)
1 Highly affordable 17 17%
2 Moderately affordable 52 52%
3 Very affordable 29 29%
4 Unaffordable 2 2%
Total 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:
The above (Table 4.14) presents the respondents’ views on the accessibility of
transportation in terms of affordability. A majority, 52%, find transportation to be moderately
affordable, while 29% consider it very affordable, and 17% find it highly affordable, indicating
that transportation is generally accessible and cost-effective for most respondents. Only 2% of
them consider transportation unaffordable, suggesting minimal concern regarding
transportation costs. Overall, the data reflects a positive outlook on transportation affordability,
which likely supports smooth business operations and mobility.

4.14 ACCESSIBLE OF TRANSPORTATION

 FIGURE 4.14

ACCESSIBILITY OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

Highly affordable Moderately affordable Very affordable Unaffordable

2%
17%
29%

52%

4.15 PERCEIVED SAFETY OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

TABLE 4.15
PERCEIVED SAFETY OF
[Link] TRANSPORTATION [Link] RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Very high safe 18 18%
2 High safe 50 50%
3 Moderate safe 26 26%
4 Unsafe 6 6%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:
The above (Table 4.15) illustrates the respondents’ perception of the safety of
transportation. A significant portion, 50%, consider transportation to be highly safe, while 18%
rate it as very highly safe, indicating that the majority feel secure using available transport
services. Additionally, 26% perceive transportation as moderately safe, and only 6% view it as
unsafe. This suggests that overall, the respondents have a positive perception of transportation
safety, which likely contributes to their willingness to travel for personal or business purposes.

4.15 SAFETY OF TRANSPORTATION

FIGURE 4.15
 PERCEIVED SAFETY OF
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

26

UNSAFE

50
MOD E RA T E S A F E

HIGH S A F E
18

VE RY HIGH S A F E

4.16 RELIABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

TABLE 4.16
RELIABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION [Link]
[Link] RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Highly reliable 20 20%
2 Generally reliable 52 52%
3 Occasionally reliable 24 24%
4 Never reliable 4 4%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.16) shows the respondents’ views on the reliability of
transportation. A majority, 52%, consider transportation to be generally reliable, while 20%
believe it is highly reliable, indicating that most respondents trust the consistency of transport
services. 24% feel it is occasionally reliable, and a small percentage, 4%, believe it is never
reliable. Overall, the data suggests that transportation is perceived as dependable by the
majority, though there are still some concerns about inconsistency among a portion of the
respondents.

4.16 RELIABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION

FIGURE 4.16

RELIABILITY OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

NEVER RELIABLE

OCCASIONALLY RELIABLE

GENERALLY RELIABLE

HIGHLY RELIABLE

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

4.17 KNOWLEDGE ON EXPORT REGULATIONS

TABLE 4.17
KNOWLEDGE ON
[Link] EXPORT [Link] PERCENTAGE
REGULATIONS (%)
1 Very knowledgeable 22 22%
2 Knowledgeable 46 46%
3 Moderately 28 28%
4 Not at all knowledgeable 4 4%
Total 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.17) highlights the respondents’ knowledge of export regulations.
A majority of 46% consider themselves knowledgeable, and 22% report being very
knowledgeable, indicating that a significant portion of the respondents possess a good
understanding of export rules and procedures. Meanwhile, 28% rate their knowledge as
 moderate, and only 4% admit to being not at all knowledgeable. This suggests that while most
respondents have a fair to strong grasp of export regulations, there is still a need for awareness
programs or training to enhance knowledge among those with limited understanding.

4.17 KNOWLEDGE ON EXPORT REGULATIONS

FIGURE 4.17

KNOWLEDGE ON EXPORT REGULATIONS

50 46
45
40
35
30 28

25 22
20
15
10
4
5
4.18 0 EASE
OF Very knowledgeable Knowledgeable Moderately Not at all
knowledgeable

ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

TABLE 4.18
ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL [Link]
[Link] MARKETS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Very easy 23 23%
2 Easy 36 36%
3 Neutral 36 36%
4 Very difficult 5 5%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:
The above (Table 4.18) shows respondents’ views on their access to international
markets. A combined 59% find access to be either easy (36%) or very easy (23%), indicating a
positive outlook and relatively smooth entry into global markets for the majority. Meanwhile,
36% hold a neutral stance, suggesting either limited experience or mixed perceptions. Only 5%
 of respondents find access very difficult, highlighting that significant barriers are faced by a
small minority. Overall, the data reflects generally favorable access to international markets,
though there remains room to improve clarity and support for those less certain or facing
challenges.

4.18 ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

FIGURE 4.18

EASE OF ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL

MARKETS

Very easy Easy Neutral Very difficult

4.19 SUFFICIENCY OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR EXPORTS

TABLE 4.19
[Link]
[Link] FINANCIAL SUPPORT RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Very sufficient 11 11%
2 sufficient 59 59%
3 Moderately sufficient 25 25%
4 Not sufficient at all 5 5%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.19) presents the respondents’ perceptions of the financial support
available to them. A majority of 59% find the support to be sufficient, while 11% consider it
very sufficient, indicating that most respondents are generally satisfied with the financial
assistance they receive. Additionally, 25% feel it is moderately sufficient, showing that some
 still face partial constraints. Only 5% report the support as not sufficient at all, highlighting a
minor portion with unmet financial needs. Overall, the findings suggest that financial support
is largely adequate, though improvements can be made to ensure better accessibility and
adequacy for all.

4.19 FINANCIAL SUPPORT

FIGURE 4.19

SUFFFICIENCY OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR

EXPORTS
Very sufficient sufficient Moderately sufficient Not sufficient at all

5%

11%
25%

59%

4.20 EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPORT LOGISTICS

TABLE 4.20
[Link]
[Link] EXPORT LOGISTICS RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE(%)
1 Very effective 24 24%
2 Effective 37 37%
3 Neutral 34 34%
4 Ineffective 5 5%
TOTAL 100 100%

INTERPRETATION:

The above (Table 4.20) reflects the respondents’ opinions on the effectiveness of
export logistics. A combined 61% rate the logistics as either effective (37%) or very effective
(24%), indicating a generally positive perception of the logistical support available for exports.
Meanwhile, 34% maintain a neutral stance, suggesting uncertainty or mixed experiences. Only
5% consider the logistics ineffective, showing that challenges in this area are minimal. Overall,
the data suggests that export logistics are largely functioning well, though there is scope for
further improvement to convert neutral opinions into positive ones.

4.20 EXPORT LOGISTICS

FIGURE 4.20

EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPORT LOGISTICS

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Very effective Effective Neutral Ineffective

LIKERT SCALE
Strongly Strongly
[Link] Statement Agree Agree Neutral Disagree disagree Total Mean
5 4 3 2 1
1 I find it
difficult to
access loans 39 50 9 1 1 425 4.25
and credit
facilities for
my business.
2 High-interest
rates
discourage 25 49 20 3 3 390 3.9
me form
expanding
my business.
3 Lack of
financial
literacy
impacts my
ability to 29 39 30 1 1 394 3.9
manage
business
financer
effectively.
4 I lack family
or societal
support to 26 41 23 5 5 378 3.78
manage my
business
effectively.
5 Women
entrepreneurs
are often not
taken 21 41 27 6 5 367 3.67
seriously in
business
transaction.
6 Balancing
household
responsibility
and running 24 40 22 5 9 365 3.65
a business in
challenging
for me.
 7 Stress from
work-life
imbalance 29 47 19 3 2 398 3.98
reduces my
productivity.
8 Competition
from larger 46 26
businesses 19 6 3 372 3.72
hinders the
growth of my
small business.
9 Marketing my
products or
services 28 42 21 7 2 387 3.87
effectively is a
significant
challenge.
10 I struggle to
identify new
market 19 48 30 1 2 381 3.81
opportunities
for my
business.
11 Limited access
to
entrepreneurial
training 27 48 19 4 2 394 3.94
programs
affects my
business
growth.
12 Building a
professional
network is 22 50 19 4 5 380 3.8
difficult as a
woman
entrepreneur.

INTERPRETATION:
The data highlights the multifaceted challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, with the
highest concern being difficulty in accessing loans and credit facilities (Mean: 4.25), followed
by stress due to work-life imbalance (Mean: 3.98) and limited access to entrepreneurial training
programs (Mean: 3.94). Financial challenges, such as high-interest rates and lack of financial
literacy, both received a mean of 3.9, reinforcing the notion that funding and financial
management remain major obstacles. Societal and personal factors such as lack of family
support (3.78), not being taken seriously in business (3.67), and difficulty in balancing
household responsibilities (3.65) also significantly impact their entrepreneurial journey.
Moreover, marketing difficulties (3.87), difficulty in identifying new markets (3.81),
competition from larger businesses (3.72), and challenges in building professional networks
(3.8) highlight operational barriers. Overall, the responses reveal that women entrepreneurs
face a blend of financial, operational, and socio-cultural constraints that hinder their business
growth and sustainability.