Abstract:
This study investigates how barriers affect women's entrepreneurial intention in
traditionally male-dominated industries in the Gampaha district. With a focus on
industries including construction, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, fishing and
aquaculture, technical services, automotive, and transportation. Gampaha is one of
Sri Lanka's most important industrial centres and has a huge female population.
However, there are still big differences between men and women when it comes to
starting businesses because of deep-rooted social norms, poor institutions, and
industrial impediments. The study investigated the impact of four major independent
variables using a structured quantitative approach: psychological factors, industry
perceptions, institutional frameworks and societal and cultural perceptions. A sample
of 100 females who are already engaged in male-dominated industries in the
Gampaha district; this is achieved by using the non-probability convenience sampling
technique approach due to resource and time constraints. The data is collected using
a physical questionnaire form, and analysis is done using SPSS software. The data
was collected through a well-structured questionnaire and analysed through
regression analysis, reliability analysis, validity analysis, descriptive analysis, and
correlation analysis of data analysis mainly used in this study. Findings revealed that
all barriers of psychological factors, industry perceptions, institutional frameworks
and societal and cultural perceptions are significantly affected by the entrepreneurial
intention. In order to encourage greater female participation in male-dominated
fields, the study emphasises the necessity of focused legislative initiatives, enhanced
institutional support, and cultural changes. These results lay the groundwork for
future studies and policymaking in comparable socioeconomic contexts and add to
the larger conversation on gender-inclusive entrepreneurship
