Difficulties and advantages in accessing formal credit capital for women-owned small and medium enterprises

Abstract

Promoting women's economic empowerment by enhancing access to credit sources is a strategy prioritized by international organizations and countries, especially in developing nations. However, many studies in Vietnam and abroad have shown that gender disparities persist in accessing formal credit, both globally and in Vietnam. This article uses a synthesis and analysis of secondary data to identify the advantages and difficulties women-owned small and medium enterprises face in accessing formal credit. Through evidence-based findings, it examines key factors affecting the group’s access to formal credit, highlights research gaps to propose further research directions.