Women entrepreneurs can contribute significantly to economic development in Vietnam. But women face unique challenges in self-employment. These challenges have not been adequately studied. The objective of this study was to identify barriers to women entrepreneurship in Vietnam and propose recommendations to enhance this endeavor in the country. A survey that included nearly 200 women-owned businesses was conducted. This study found that women entrepreneurs are running businesses well. They are currently facing barriers, such as obtaining finance, work-home conflicts, lack of education and training in business and management skills. They furthermore indicated as their main support need the need for financial support, for business training and advice, and a need to network with other business owners and for marketing support. Practical recommendations are suggested for Government and women entrepreneurs to overcome these obstacles and to ensure that women entrepreneurs can sufficiently contribute to the economy and empower themselves economically.
