Exploring funding options for female entrepreneurs in rural areas in South Africa

Women entrepreneurs in rural South Africa face structural and socio-cultural barriers in accessing funding. This study investigated how existing financial structures and support programs influence the sustainability and growth of female-owned businesses in rural areas. Using bibliometric analysis and sentiment mapping with ATLAS.ti, 36 documents were analyzed from a screened pool of 613, focusing on keywords, titles, and abstracts. Results reveal that over 65% of documents reflect themes of discrimination and systemic financial exclusion. Findings show that while government initiatives and non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) efforts (e.g., Department of Small Business Development (DSBD Women's Development Business, (WDB) are making strides, challenges, such as collateral requirements, limited financial literacy, and infrastructure gaps, persist. The originality of this research lies in its hybrid methodological approach and the emphasis on rural-centric funding misalignments. The study contributes to policy dialogues by recommending tailored financial products co-designed with rural women, improved outreach programs, and integration of gender-sensitive financing mechanisms. It also lays a foundation for further empirical studies on institutional responses to female entrepreneurship in marginal communities. This study applied a novel hybrid method, combining bibliometric analysis with sentiment mapping using ATLAS.ti to uncover both systemic patterns and discursive trends. Its policy relevance lies in offering evidence-based recommendations that align with G20 strategies on gender equity and financial inclusion.