Sustainability and Rural Empowerment: Developing Women’s Entrepreneurial Skills Through Innovation

Abstract

This systematic study explores the success factors and barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs in the artisanal sector during 2020–2024. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of academic databases, 50 relevant articles that met predefined inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed. The results reveal a dynamic and collaborative research field with a focus on developing countries. It highlights the interplay of individual, social, structural, and innovation factors as key determinants of entrepreneurial success. The adoption of digital technologies and social innovation emerge as key factors, while traditional gender roles, poor infrastructure, and discrimination persist as significant barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, prompting innovative resilience strategies. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics that influence the success of these entrepreneurs and underscores the need for holistic approaches that address skills development, access to resources, and promotion of innovation to empower rural women and foster sustainable development in their communities.

1. Introduction

Research on women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas has been a topic of interest in the scientific literature for several decades. Pioneering studies had already identified this phenomenon as a key factor for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction [1]. However, subsequent research has delved deeper into the specific challenges faced by these women entrepreneurs, such as limited access to resources, lack of training, weak social networks, and traditional gender roles [2,3,4], which can limit their success and sustainability in the market.

The participation of women in business as entrepreneurs has been transforming social and economic structures since early studies of rural development [5,6]. This participation has consistently challenged conventional social norms regarding gender roles [1], evolving from traditional approaches to modern entrepreneurial frameworks [7]. This trend is reshaping expectations and perceptions of women’s abilities and spheres of influence in society [8]. However, gender equality—one of the primary goals of sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda—encompasses broader aspects such as equal opportunities, equal access to resources and technology, and full social recognition of women [9].

In response, female entrepreneurship in rural areas has emerged as a crucial factor for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction, particularly in emerging and developing economies. Researchers such as [10,11] emphasize the growing importance of women entrepreneurs in transforming rural economies. In this context, the artisanal sector presents a significant opportunity for rural women to generate income, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to local economic growth, as noted by [12] in their study of indigenous women entrepreneurs in Malaysia. Rural women, especially artisans, face specific challenges that may limit their success and market sustainability, as documented by [13,14].

Recent studies have identified several factors influencing the success of rural women’s entrepreneurship. These challenges include limited access to financial resources, a lack of adequate entrepreneurial training, weak social networks, and insufficient institutional support. These critical issues are highlighted in the studies by [10,15], who underscore the importance of addressing these barriers to foster the development and sustainability of women-led rural enterprises, particularly in the artisanal sector.

Furthermore, studies underscore the importance of entrepreneurial competencies, as demonstrated by [13], individual resilience, analyzed by [16], and entrepreneurial orientation, examined by [11], as key elements for the success of rural women entrepreneurs. Perceived capability, social perception, and individual competencies have also been identified as crucial determinants of sustainable entrepreneurial intention among rural women, according to [10] in their study from Bangladesh.

Innovation and digital transformation have emerged as critical factors in rural women’s entrepreneurship. Ref. [17] highlights the importance of innovation and green entrepreneurship in rural revitalization, whereas [14] emphasizes the role of digital economic transformation in promoting rural entrepreneurship in China. These aspects are particularly relevant in the post-pandemic context, where adaptability and resilience have proven crucial, as evidenced in the study by [15] on rural business survival during the COVID-19-induced recession.

Nevertheless, understanding how these factors specifically interact within the context of rural artisans remains limited. The barriers faced by these entrepreneurs, such as traditional gender roles, lack of infrastructure, and market access limitations, require further exploration, as suggested by the works of [16,18]. The COVID-19 pandemic presented additional challenges but also spurred diversification strategies based on innovation, underscoring the need to examine adaptive responses by rural women entrepreneurs during crises.

The relevance of this study lies in its potential to inform more effective policies and support programs for rural artisans, thus contributing to women’s economic empowerment and the sustainable development of rural communities. In the post-pandemic context, where many rural economies are seeking recovery and reinvention, female artisanal entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in local economic revitalization, as suggested by [15,17] and their respective analyses.

Despite the growing interest in rural women’s entrepreneurship, a gap remains in the literature regarding a systematic synthesis of the success factors and specific barriers faced by rural artisans across different geographical and cultural contexts since 2020. This gap, noted by researchers such as [19,20], limits our understanding of the most effective interventions to support this group of entrepreneurs in the current context and hinders evidence-based policy formulation on the basis of recent data.

Thus, the overall objective of this systematic review is to synthesize existing evidence from 2020 to 2024 on the factors influencing the success and barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs in the artisanal sector. Specifically, it aims to identify and categorize the main success factors associated with rural women artisans’ entrepreneurship during the mentioned period, including individual, social, structural, and innovation-related aspects. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the most significant barriers that have hindered the development and sustainability of rural women artisans’ enterprises across different geographical and cultural contexts since 2020, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This systematic review aims to provide an updated foundation for future research and the design of more effective interventions to support rural artisans’ entrepreneurship in the post pandemic context. Synthesizing the most recent available evidence is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the current dynamics influencing the success of these enterprises and, consequently, to the economic empowerment of rural women and the sustainable development of their communities, as suggested by the works of [21,22] in their analyses of rural entrepreneurship in China and South Africa, respectively.

Research on rural women’s entrepreneurship has evolved significantly over time. Early frameworks explored basic economic empowerment [23], while contemporary studies have expanded to include digital transformation [11], innovation-based approaches [12], and resilience strategies [24].

2. Materials and Methods

This research will be conducted through a systematic review following a rigorous and transparent protocol. This approach ensures the quality of the study and allows other researchers to replicate the process and results.

While acknowledging the rich history of research in this field, as evidenced in foundational works [5,7,23], this review focuses specifically on the period from 2020 to 2024 to capture the dramatic changes in rural entrepreneurship following the global pandemic and the acceleration of digital transformation.

2.1. Data Sources and Search Strategy

Three main electronic databases were used: Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest. The selection of these databases was based on several criteria, such as their breadth and depth of coverage in social sciences and business, the inclusion of high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and advanced search and export capabilities, as well as institutional accessibility. These databases provided complementary and comprehensive coverage of relevant literature in the field of female rural entrepreneurship. The search was limited to articles published during January 2020–March 2024 in English and Spanish.

2.2. Database-Specific Search Strategies

• Scopus: TITLE-ABS-KEY ((“rural women” OR “rural female”) AND (entrepreneur* OR artisan* OR craft*) AND (success OR barrier* OR challenge*)) AND PUBYEAR > 2019 AND PUBYEAR < 2025 AND (LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE, “English”) OR LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE, “Spanish”)).
• Web of Science: TS = ((“rural women” OR “rural female”) AND (entrepreneur* OR artisan* OR craft*) AND (success OR barrier* OR challenge*)) Refined by: LANGUAGES: (ENGLISH OR SPANISH) AND PUBLICATION YEARS: (2020–2024).
• ProQuest: noft ((“rural women” OR “rural female”) AND (entrepreneur* OR artisan* OR craft*) AND (success OR barrier* OR challenge*)) AND la.exact (“English” OR “Spanish”) AND pd (20200101-20240331).

These search strategies are refined and adapted according to the specific characteristics of each database. Out of the 1237 initially identified records, 50 articles were selected for the final review. This selection process involved the following steps:

• Elimination of duplicates (n = 287).
• The titles and abstracts (n = 950) were screened, and 823 studies that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded.
• A full-text review of 127 articles was performed, and 77 were excluded for reasons such as lack of focus on rural women (n = 35), not specifically addressing artisanal entrepreneurship (n = 28), or insufficient methodological quality (n = 14).

The final selection of 50 articles represents the most relevant and high-quality studies directly addressing our research questions.

2.3. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria: Studies that specifically addressed rural women entrepreneurs in the handicraft sector were considered. These included empirical research of a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods nature, which focused on identifying success factors or barriers that influence entrepreneurship among this group. In addition, the search was limited to articles published during 2020–2024, written in English or Spanish.

2.4. Exclusion Criteria

On the other hand, exclusion criteria included studies that were not empirical, such as literature reviews or commentaries, as they did not provide original data on the topic of interest. Research that did not focus specifically on rural women or the artisanal sector was also excluded in order to maintain the relevance and accuracy of the results obtained.

2.5. Study Selection

The selection of studies was carried out by two researchers independently, following a two-stage process. In the first stage, all records identified in the initial search were assessed for potential relevance by reading titles and abstracts. Subsequently, those articles that passed this initial phase were subjected to a thorough full-text review to determine their final eligibility for inclusion in this study. In the event of any disagreement between the two reviewers during this process, a third researcher was involved to facilitate dialogue and reach a consensus on the inclusion or exclusion of the studies in question.

2.6. Snowballing Method

After the initial selection of studies, the snowballing method was employed to identify additional relevant articles that may have been missed in the initial search. This process is carried out as follows:

• Reference review: the reference lists of all the articles included in the review were examined.
• Identification of potential studies: relevant titles that meet the inclusion criteria will be identified.
• Retrieval and evaluation: full texts of these potential studies will be obtained and evaluated using the same inclusion and exclusion criteria as the original studies.
• Iteration: this process will be repeated with newly included studies until no further relevant articles are identified.
• Documentation: a detailed record of all studies identified through this method, including the original source and the reason for inclusion or exclusion, will be kept.

2.7. Data Extraction

A standardized data extraction sheet was designed in Microsoft Excel to collect relevant information from each study, including the following:

• Bibliographic information (authors, year, title, journal).
• Study characteristics (country, sample size, methodology).
• Identified success factors.
• Reported barriers or challenges.
• Key findings and conclusions.

Two independent reviewers extracted the data to ensure accuracy and completeness.

2.8. Quality Assessment

To assess the quality of the included studies, a simplified checklist based on key criteria for social science research was used. This checklist includes the following aspects:

• Clarity of research objectives.
• Appropriateness of the methodology for the study’s goals.
• Clear description of the sample and selection process.
• Rigor in data collection and analysis.
• Clear presentation of results.
• Discussion of study limitations.

Each criterion is rated as “meets”, “partially meets”, or “does not meet”. Two independent reviewers carried out this evaluation, and any discrepancies were resolved through discussion to reach a consensus. Studies were not excluded on the basis of only quality assessment, but this information was used to interpret the results and discuss the strength of the evidence.

2.9. Results Synthesis

The results were synthesized as follows:

• Descriptive summary: a summary of the general characteristics of the included studies, such as the total number of studies, geographical distribution, methodologies used, and sample sizes, was provided.
• Identification of themes: the main themes related to success factors and barriers to rural women’s entrepreneurship in the artisanal sector were identified.
• Tabulation of findings: summary tables were created to present the success factors and barriers identified in each study.
• Narrative analysis: a narrative description of the main findings was provided, highlighting patterns, similarities, and differences across studies.
• Contextual consideration: the results were analyzed with respect to the geographical and sociocultural context of the different studies.
• Identification of gaps: areas where evidence is limited or inconsistent were identified, suggesting directions for future research.

This synthesis provides a clear and concise overview of the factors influencing the success and barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs in the artisanal sector on the basis of the most recent evidence available in the literature.

3. Results

This section presents a synthesis of the most relevant studies on rural empowerment and women’s entrepreneurship published during 2022–2024. It details the research conducted in different regions and countries, highlighting the thematic areas addressed and the methodologies used to explore the factors that influence female rural entrepreneurship and the strategies to foster it.

The analysis of the table titled (

Table 1. Summary of Key Studies on Rural Empowerment and Women’s Entrepreneurship (2020–2024).

Author(s) and Year	Region/Country		Focus Area	Key Findings	Methodology
Kraus et al. (2024) [27]	Europe		Digital Entrepreneurship	Digital transformation creates new opportunities for entrepreneurial business models while requiring different competencies	Systematic Review
Fanjul et al. (2023) [23]	Spain	Rural Development	Ex-post analysis of factors fostering rural entrepreneurship in Spanish municipalities	Empirical Analysis
Othman et al. (2022) [10]	Malaysia	Entrepreneurial Competencies	Competencies of rural women entrepreneurs significantly impact their quality of life	Quantitative
Wang and Ye (2024) [11]	China	Digital Transformation	Digital economic transformation enhances rural revitalization through green entrepreneurship	Policy Analysis
Yaya et al. (2024) [12]	Emerging Economies	Innovation Strategies	Innovation-based diversification crucial for enterprise survival during COVID-19	Case Studies
Gupta and Mishra (2023) [28]	India	Barriers Analysis	Identified key constraints facing Indian women entrepreneurs including family support and financial limitations	Qualitative
Chen et al. (2024) [24]	China	Gender-Role Impact	Effect of gender-role orientation on new venture performance and organizational legitimacy	Empirical Study
Chitra et al. (2022) [29]	South India	COVID-19 Impact	Analysis of women entrepreneurship empowerment during and after pandemic	Mixed Methods
Chadwick and Dawson (2024) [30]	Global	Entrepreneurial Identity	From imposter fears to authenticity in women entrepreneurs	Theoretical Analysis
Nouri (2023) [31]	Multiple Countries	Decision Making	Exploration of commitment escalation in failing ventures among women entrepreneurs	Comparative Study

) “Summary of Key Studies on Rural Empowerment and Female Entrepreneurship (2020–2024)” reveals significant patterns and emerging trends in this field of research. The geographic diversity of these studies, which range from China and India to the United States and European countries, underscores the global relevance of the topic and the variety of contexts in which rural female entrepreneurship is being investigated. There is a strong emphasis on innovation and technology, with several studies, such as those by [25,26], exploring the role of digital innovation and financial inclusion, indicating a shift toward the modernization and digitization of rural entrepreneurship.

At the same time, there is growing interest in linking rural entrepreneurship with sustainable development and the circular economy, as demonstrated by the works of [22,32], reflecting a heightened awareness of sustainability in this context. The specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs receive particular attention, as evidenced in the research by [33,34], highlighting the importance of considering gender dimensions in rural entrepreneurship.

The variety of research methods employed, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches, suggests a mature and multifaceted field of study. Additionally, there is a clear emphasis on education and skills development, with studies such as those by [21,35] exploring how training can foster the entrepreneurial spirit.

This synthesis of recent research not only provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship but also identifies potential areas for future research and policy development. This underscores the need for holistic approaches that incorporate technology, sustainability, education, and gender-specific factors in promoting rural female entrepreneurship.

The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.15), analyzing publications from 2020 to 2024 retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. The search query included the following terms: “rural women”, “rural female”, “entrepreneur*”, “artisan*”, “craft*”, “success”, “barrier*”, and “challenge*”. Out of 1237 initially identified records, 50 articles meeting our inclusion criteria were selected for the final analysis.

The bibliometric map reveals (Figure 1) several distinct clusters of research themes during 2020–2024:

Red Cluster: centers on “rural women” and “gender”, reflecting the core focus on gender equality and rural women’s development in recent literature.

Green Cluster: encompasses “human”, “economics”, and “socioeconomic factors”, representing contemporary research on economic and social impacts.

Blue Cluster: highlights “women’s empowerment” and “microfinance”, indicating current trends in financial inclusion research.

Purple Cluster: groups “entrepreneur” and “women’s status”, emphasizing recent studies on evolving entrepreneurial roles.

Yellow Cluster: features “financial inclusion” and research methodologies, representing current analytical approaches.

The map reveals several clusters of terms, representing different subthemes within the broader field of rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship. The “red cluster”, centered on “rural women” and “gender”, suggests a focus on gender equality and rural women’s development. The “green cluster”, which includes terms such as “human”, “economics”, and “socioeconomic factors”, reflects research addressing the economic and social impacts of female empowerment in rural areas.

Other notable clusters include the “blue cluster”, highlighting terms such as “women’s empowerment” and “microfinance”, indicating the importance of financial inclusion and access to microcredit in developing entrepreneurial skills among rural women. The “purple cluster”, which groups terms such as “entrepreneur” and “women’s status”, emphasizes studies focused on women’s roles as entrepreneurs and their status within rural communities.

Significant geographical connections are also evident, with terms such as “Bangladesh”, “China”, and “Africa”, suggesting that many studies focus on specific regions where rural women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship is particularly relevant. These geographical terms are linked to concepts such as “poverty”, “sustainability”, and “regional development”, indicating an interest in how female entrepreneurship contributes to sustainable development and poverty reduction in these areas.

The different clusters, differentiated by color, highlight the various research areas within the broader field of rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship. The yellow cluster, featuring terms such as “financial inclusion” and “logistic regression”, suggests a focus on quantitative methods and statistical analyses to assess the impact of empowerment initiatives.

This bibliometric analysis provides a deep understanding of how different aspects of rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship are interconnected. It underscores the central role of entrepreneurship in rural development and gender equity, showing how diverse research areas come together to address the challenges and opportunities in empowering rural women through innovation.

3.1. Implications and Analysis

This bibliometric map reveals the central themes and interconnections in research on rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship. The central term “entrepreneurship” indicates the primary focus of the field, while its close connection with terms such as “rural development”, “women’s empowerment”, and “gender” underscores the interdisciplinary nature of this area of study.

The prominent presence of terms such as “microfinance” and “poverty” suggests a significant focus on economic and development aspects. The appearance of “social entrepreneurship” indicates an emerging trend toward more holistic approaches that combine economic and social objectives.

Geographical clusters (e.g., “Bangladesh”, “India”, and “Africa”) point to a concentration of research in developing regions, likely due to the particular relevance of rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship in these contexts.

The presence of methodological terms such as “case study” and “qualitative research” suggests a predominance of qualitative approaches in this field, possibly due to the need for an in-depth understanding of local contexts and individual experiences.

The bibliometric map provided (Figure 2) by VOSviewer illustrates the connections and relationships between authors and works in the field of rural empowerment and the development of women’s entrepreneurial skills through innovation. Key authors such as [7,23,36] stand out, indicating that these studies are highly cited and central within the research network. The nodes and links represent the frequency and strength of co-citations, revealing a dense network of collaboration and influence. The different colors identify thematic clusters, suggesting specific subareas within the general topic. For example, the cluster around [5,7] focuses on the economic impact of empowerment, whereas the group associated with [37] addresses social and community aspects. Authors such as [6,38] represent a solid theoretical foundation, and the interaction with recent works by [39,40] demonstrates the evolution and expansion of the field. This bibliometric analysis reveals a dynamic and growing area of study, with a strong base of previous research and a continuous incorporation of new findings and innovative approaches in rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship.

3.2. Bibliometric Analysis of International Collaboration

This map reveals patterns of international collaboration in research on rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship. India emerges as a central node, suggesting its leading role in this field of research, possibly owing to its large rural population and focus on women’s empowerment.

The strong connection between India, the United States, and the United Kingdom indicates significant collaboration among these countries, likely facilitated by historical, linguistic, and academic ties. The prominent presence of China suggests a growing interest in this topic within the context of Chinese rural development.

Regional clusters, such as those including South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania, indicate regional collaborations, possibly driven by contextual similarities and shared challenges in rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship in Africa.

The relative isolation of some European countries, such as Spain and Romania, may indicate a lesser focus on this specific topic or a tendency to conduct more localized research.

The bibliometric map provided (Figure 3) shows the relationships and connections between different countries in the field of rural empowerment and the development of women’s entrepreneurial skills through innovation. The nodes represent countries, whereas the links indicate the frequency and strength of international collaborations in scientific publications. India stands out as the most prominent central node, suggesting that it is a key player in this area of research, with strong connections to other countries such as the United States, China, and Australia.

These countries are also highly interconnected, forming a core of intense scientific collaboration. The United Kingdom, Malaysia, and South Africa also appear to be important nodes, indicating their significant contributions to the field. The different-colored clusters suggest specific areas of collaborative research between certain groups of countries; for instance, the green cluster that includes South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania suggests a regional collaboration focused on African contexts. In contrast, countries such as Spain and Romania are more isolated, indicating less participation in international networks on this specific topic. This bibliometric analysis reveals the importance of international collaboration in research on rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship, highlighting India as a leader in this field and underscoring the global nature of the research effort.

3.3. Bibliometric Analysis of Author Networks

The analysis of the bibliometric map of co-citations among authors in research on rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship reveals a complex and evolving structure in the field. Authors such as [7,23,36] have emerged as central nodes, indicating their fundamental influence in the area. The diversity of thematic clusters, represented by different colors, suggests the existence of subfields or specific theoretical approaches within this area of research. The presence of works ranging from 2005 to 2023 demonstrates ongoing evolution and sustained interest in the topic. The dense interconnections between nodes reflect a mature research field with a high degree of academic dialogue. The diversity of authors, such as [6,37,38], indicates a multiplicity of perspectives encompassing the social, economic, and political aspects of rural female entrepreneurship. The inclusion of more recent authors such as [39,40] points to the incorporation of new perspectives, maintaining the dynamism of the field. Some authors seem to act as “bridges” between different clusters, suggesting works that integrate diverse perspectives. This map not only provides an overview of the intellectual structure of the field but also reveals seminal works, connections between research lines, and the temporal evolution of the area, offering a valuable guide for identifying key theoretical foundations, emerging trends, and potential gaps in the current literature, which may guide future research on rural empowerment and female entrepreneurship.

4. Discussion

This systematic review synthesizes recent evidence on the success factors and barriers experienced by rural women entrepreneurs in the artisanal sector from 2020 to 2024. The findings reveal a complex interplay of individual, social, structural, and innovation factors that shape the development and sustainability of these ventures.

4.1. Success Factors

4.1.1. Individual and Psychological Competencies

The development of entrepreneurial competencies emerges as a critical individual-level success factor. Ref. [13] highlights the importance of business management skills, creativity, and calculated risk taking for rural women entrepreneurs. These competencies are positively associated with quality of life and business success. Similarly, ref. [41] identifies entrepreneurial passion and future orientation as key psychological drivers of success, particularly for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities, especially in the context of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Ref. [42] documented how Iranian entrepreneurs developed problem- and emotion-based coping strategies to build both personal and business resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. This adaptability is also reflected in [43], which shows how Indonesian entrepreneurs adjusted their survival strategies to sustain their businesses during the pandemic.

Psychological capital, which includes self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience, emerges as a crucial resource. Ref. [41] reports that psychological capital positively influences women’s entrepreneurial intentions, which is mediated by favorable entrepreneurial attitudes. This underlines the importance of interventions that strengthen not only the technical skills but also the psychological resources of rural women entrepreneurs.

4.1.2. Social Support and Networks

Family support and collaborative networks among entrepreneurs play a fundamental role in success. Ref. [42] finds that moral support from spouses and children increases women’s confidence and ability to persist in their handicraft enterprises. This finding is consistent with that of [43], which identified family support as a key motivating factor for ethnic minority women entrepreneurs. Professional and mentoring networks are also crucial. Ref. [44] emphasizes the positive impact of exposure to successful female role models in counteracting limiting gender stereotypes and boosting entrepreneurial intentions. Ref. [45], in turn, reported that peer mentoring is “vital” for the success of women entrepreneurs, offering emotional support and practical knowledge.

4.1.3. Structural Factors and Access to Resources

Access to finance and markets remains a challenge, although promising advances are being observed. Ref. [46] identifies a trend toward more inclusive banking policies for women entrepreneurs in some contexts, although significant gaps persist, particularly in rural areas. Innovations in microfinance models and the use of digital technologies to expand market access have emerged as potential strategies to overcome these structural barriers [47].

Ref. [48] compares the economic and legal conditions for women entrepreneurs in Malaysia and Poland, highlighting how differences in public policies and institutional support influence entrepreneurial success. This underscores the importance of considering the specific context when designing support interventions.

4.1.4. Innovation and Technology

The role of innovation and technology stands out as a differentiating success factor. Ref. [49] documents how the adoption of digital tools and social media has allowed rural entrepreneurs to expand their market reach and optimize processes, even during periods of pandemic restrictions. Ref. [50] delves further into this aspect, analyzing how women entrepreneurs use technology for digital social innovation and creating impacts in areas such as education, employment, and community development.

4.1.5. Mechanisms of Influence on Entrepreneurial Success

−

Individual and Psychological Competencies Mechanism

Entrepreneurial skills enhance decision-making capacity [10], leading to the following:

• Improved resource allocation.
• Better risk assessment.
• More effective business planning.

Psychological capital operates by strengthening the following:

• Self-efficacy in business operations [41].
• Resilience during market challenges.
• Adaptive capacity in crisis situations [39].

−

Social Support Networks Mechanism

Family support functions through the following:

• Provision of emotional stability [42].
• Sharing of domestic responsibilities.
• Access to initial resources.

Professional networks contribute via the following:

• Knowledge transfer between entrepreneurs.
• Market information sharing [44].
• Collective problem-solving capacity.

−

Resource Access Mechanism

Financial inclusion operates through the following:

• Working capital availability [46].
• Investment capacity enhancement.
• Risk mitigation capability.

Market access functions via the following:

• Supply chain integration.
• Customer reach expansion [47].
• Competitive advantage development.

−

Innovation and Technology Mechanism

Digital tools impact success through the following:

• Market reach expansion [49].
• Operational efficiency improvement.
• Customer engagement enhancement.

Social innovation contributes via the following:

• Strengthening community integration.
• Value proposition enhancement [50].
• Sustainability practice adoption.

−

Structural Support Mechanism

Institutional support operates through the following:

• Policy implementation effectiveness [48].
• Resource allocation efficiency.
• Barrier reduction capacity.

Infrastructure development impacts via the following:

• Operational cost reduction.
• Market accessibility improvement.
• Business scalability enhancement.

−

Synergistic Effects and Contextual Factors

Each mechanism reinforces others, creating a synergistic effect that enhances overall entrepreneurial success. For instance, strong psychological capital [41] enables better utilization of digital tools [49], while effective social networks [44] facilitate improved access to financial resources [46]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these mechanisms became particularly evident as entrepreneurs leveraged multiple pathways simultaneously to maintain business continuity [40].

The effectiveness of these mechanisms varies depending on contextual factors such as:

• Local market conditions.
• Cultural norms and traditions.
• Available infrastructure.
• Policy environment.
• Economic development level.

4.2. Persistent Barriers

Despite these advances, rural women entrepreneurs continue to face significant barriers. Traditional gender roles and family responsibilities continue to limit the time and resources women can devote to their businesses [51]. The lack of adequate infrastructure in rural areas, from connectivity to transportation, also hinders business growth [52].

Ref. [28] identifies specific barriers in the Indian context, including a lack of family support, financial limitations, and work–life balance challenges. These barriers are exacerbated in rural areas and for women with lower levels of education.

Gender discrimination remains a significant obstacle. Ref. [24] analyzes how the gender role orientation of women entrepreneurs interacts with organizational legitimacy and access to investment, affecting the performance of their new ventures. This suggests the need to address not only external barriers but also internalized factors that may limit women’s entrepreneurial potential.

4.3. Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of these challenges but has also catalyzed innovations. Ref. [43] documented how rural entrepreneurs in Indonesia developed resilience strategies on the basis of product diversification and online sales channels. Similarly, ref. [29] reported that internal factors such as motivation, the need for achievement, and self-confidence were crucial to the success of Indian entrepreneurs during the pandemic, even surpassing the impact of external factors.

4.4. Implications and Future Directions

The findings of this review have important implications for the design of policies and programs that support rural female entrepreneurship in the artisanal sector. There is a need for holistic approaches that simultaneously address the following:

• The development of individual competencies, including technical, management, and digital skills.
• The strengthening of psychological capital and resilience.
• The creation and consolidation of social and professional support networks.
• Improved access to financial resources and markets.
• The promotion of technological and social innovation.
• The implementation of policies addressing structural and gender barriers.

Future research could explore the long-term effectiveness of different intervention models, considering the diversity of cultural and geographic contexts. The study by ref. [30] on authenticity and the impostor phenomenon among women entrepreneurs suggests the importance of further investigating the psychological and identity aspects of female entrepreneurship.

Additionally, more longitudinal studies are needed to better understand how success factors and barriers evolve over the lifecycle of rural female enterprises. The research by ref. [31] on decision-making biases among women entrepreneurs’ points to the need to explore how these cognitive factors interact with the specific rural and artisanal contexts.

This review reveals a complex yet promising landscape for rural female entrepreneurship in the artisanal sector. While significant challenges remain, the evidence suggests that comprehensive strategies combining skills development, social support, innovation, and enabling policies can enhance the success and sustainability of these ventures, thereby contributing to the economic empowerment of rural women and the development of their communities.

5. Conclusions

5.1. Implications

This systematic review, covering studies from 2020 to 2024, effectively synthesizes the evidence on the success factors and barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs. The analysis reveals that the success of these ventures hinges on a complex interaction of individual factors (such as entrepreneurial skills, resilience, and psychological capital), social factors (family support and professional networks), structural factors (access to finance and markets), and innovation (adoption of digital technologies). Persistent barriers, including traditional gender roles, lack of rural infrastructure, and discrimination, were identified. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges but also triggered innovative resilience strategies.

A bibliometric analysis indicates an expanding field of research, with growing international collaboration and a focus on developing countries. This review underscores the need for holistic approaches that simultaneously address the development of competencies, the strengthening of psychological capital, the creation of support networks, improved access to resources, and the promotion of innovation.

Based on our analysis, we identify several promising directions for future research:

• Digital Transformation Studies
  • Impact of emerging technologies on rural women’s entrepreneurship.
  • Effectiveness of digital financial inclusion tools [20].
  • Role of social media in market expansion [49].
• Resilience and Adaptation Research
  • Long-term effects of COVID-19 adaptations.
  • Development of resilience metrics for rural enterprises.
  • Comparative studies of successful adaptation strategies [40].
• Innovation and Sustainability
  • Integration of green entrepreneurship practices [11].
  • Social innovation models in rural contexts.
  • Sustainable business models for artisanal enterprises.
• Policy and Support Mechanisms
  • Evaluation of current support programs’ effectiveness.
  • Development of targeted intervention strategies.
  • Cross-cultural comparison of successful policy frameworks [48].
• Psychological and Social Aspects
  • Longitudinal studies of entrepreneurial competency development.
  • Impact of mentorship programs [44].
  • Role of psychological capital in business sustainability [41].
• Financial Innovation
  • New models of rural financial inclusion.
  • Impact of fintech solutions on rural enterprises.
  • Alternative financing mechanisms for women entrepreneurs [46].

These research directions would benefit from the following:

• Mixed-method approaches combining quantitative and qualitative data.
• Longitudinal studies tracking development over time.
• Comparative analyses across different cultural contexts.
• Integration of technology adoption metrics.
• Focus on measurable impact indicators.

Furthermore, future research should emphasize practical applications by carrying out the following:

• Developing evidence-based intervention models.
• Creating assessment tools for support programs.
• Establishing the best practices for capacity building.
• Identifying scalable solutions for common challenges.

These research priorities will contribute to a deeper understanding of rural women’s entrepreneurship and inform more effective support strategies for sustainable rural development.

5.2. Limitations of This Study

This systematic review, while comprehensive in its approach, presents several important limitations that warrant consideration. The temporal scope of the analysis, focused on publications from 2020 to 2024, provides valuable insights into recent developments, particularly regarding the impact of COVID-19 on rural women entrepreneurs. However, this relatively short timeframe may not fully capture long-term trends and patterns in rural women’s entrepreneurship, potentially missing valuable historical perspectives and evolutionary patterns in this field.

From a methodological standpoint, this study faced certain constraints that could affect its comprehensiveness. The review’s restriction to English and Spanish language publications may have excluded relevant research published in other languages, particularly from regions where rural women’s entrepreneurship is actively studied but published in local languages. Additionally, by focusing primarily on peer-reviewed articles, this study might have missed valuable insights from other sources such as policy documents, practitioner reports, and regional case studies. The reliance on three main databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest), while providing robust coverage, might have overlooked relevant studies indexed in other academic databases.

Geographic representation in the reviewed literature presents another limitation. Despite efforts to achieve comprehensive coverage, there is a notable overrepresentation of studies from certain regions, particularly Asia, while other regions are underrepresented. This imbalance makes it challenging to draw truly global conclusions about rural women’s entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the diversity of rural contexts and varying definitions of “rural” across different countries complicates direct comparisons between studies and limits the generalizability of some findings across different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.

The nature of the available empirical evidence also poses certain limitations. The studies reviewed showed considerable heterogeneity in their methodologies and measures, making it difficult to conduct systematic quantitative comparisons across different contexts. The limited availability of longitudinal studies restricts our understanding of how success factors and barriers evolve over time, particularly in response to changing economic and social conditions. Additionally, the predominance of qualitative studies in some areas, while providing rich contextual insights, limits the ability to establish clear causal relationships between various factors affecting rural women’s entrepreneurship.

In terms of thematic coverage, while this review encompasses various aspects of rural women’s entrepreneurship, some emerging themes may be underrepresented due to their novelty. For instance, topics such as digital transformation and green entrepreneurship in rural contexts are relatively new and may not be fully captured in the current literature. The focus on the artisanal sector, while important, may limit the applicability of findings to other types of rural enterprises. Moreover, the complex interactions between different success factors and barriers could benefit from more detailed exploration.

These limitations point toward several promising directions for future research. Studies incorporating longer timeframes and longitudinal designs would help with better understanding the evolution of rural women’s entrepreneurship. Expanded geographical coverage and cross-cultural comparisons would provide more comprehensive insights into how different contexts influence entrepreneurial success. The development of standardized measures for key constructs would facilitate more systematic comparisons across studies. Additionally, future research should explore emerging themes in rural entrepreneurship and examine the interconnections between different success factors and barriers more thoroughly. Such efforts would contribute to a more complete understanding of rural women’s entrepreneurship and help develop more effective support mechanisms for these entrepreneurs.