Gender Dynamics: Women’s Entrepreneurship in Active Insurgency Zones

This study examines the complex dynamics of women’s entrepreneurship within active insurgency zones, focusing on the unique challenges, adaptive strategies, and resilience demonstrated by women entrepreneurs operating in conflict-affected regions. Drawing on recent empirical evidence from Afghanistan, Northeast Nigeria, and other conflict zones, this research reveals that women entrepreneurs face compounded barriers including restricted mobility, limited access to finance, gender-based discrimination, and security threats. Despite these obstacles, women entrepreneurs demonstrate remarkable resilience through home-based enterprises, social network reliance, and innovative adaptation strategies. The study finds that 80% of women-led enterprises in conflict zones serve as primary income sources for their families, with 66% reporting business growth despite adverse conditions. This research contributes to the entrepreneurship literature by highlighting the intersection of gender, conflict, and economic survival, while offering policy implications for supporting women’s economic empowerment in fragile contexts.