Determinants of success for women entrepreneurs: an exploratory study in the Tunisian context

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the key determinants and barriers that affect the success of women entrepreneurs within the Tunisian context. It sought to address the research gap concerning the specific factors that influence female entrepreneurial outcomes in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research approach was adopted, involving 24 semi-structured interviews with Tunisian women entrepreneurs. The data collected through these interviews were then subjected to thematic content analysis to identify and categorise recurring themes and insights. Findings The study identifies, through inductive thematic analysis, a set of factors and obstacles that influence women’s entrepreneurial success. Key enabling factors include the Tunisian education system, formal and informal support mechanisms, networking opportunities and prior experience. Conversely, major barriers comprise cultural norms, regional disparities and limited access to financial resources. Originality/value This research makes an original theoretical contribution by repositioning culture and access to finance as structural barriers within an integrated intersectional, institutional and ecosystemic framework. It highlights context-specific dynamics and offers practical recommendations, such as promoting a culture of female entrepreneurship through national events, tailored mentoring, networking initiatives and sector-specific synergies, which remain underexplored in the existing literature.