Focus Group Discussion Highlights Barriers and Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs in the Northern Province
The Gate Institute organised a focused and insightful Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with women entrepreneurs from the Northern Province on 25 August 2025 at the University of Vavuniya. Participants included women engaged in tailoring, farming, and various small businesses, who came together to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. The programme was coordinated by The Gate Institute’s Entrepreneurship Development and Startup Onboarding Officer, Mrs. Thamilchelvy Mathiyalahan.
The first session was facilitated by Ms. Mathangie Selvarajah, followed by a second session led by Ms. Aruniya Balakrishnan and Ms. Nemitha Xavier. Throughout the discussions, several key challenges emerged:
Limited marketing opportunities and poor access to broader markets
Financial constraints and difficulties in securing capital
Weak business planning skills
Low self-confidence among entrepreneurs
Lack of mentorship, networks, and professional guidance
Mental and physical stress associated with balancing business and household responsibilities
Participants also noted that many women miss opportunities for innovation and diversification due to these systemic barriers.
The FGD underscored the urgent need for stronger institutional and community-level support to strengthen women-led enterprises in the region. The insights gathered will help shape future initiatives to empower women entrepreneurs and foster sustainable economic growth in the Northern Province.
