The main purpose of this study is to support the creation of an enabling environment for women to engage in business by researching the barriers currently hampering women’s participation in trade and business. This study will serve as a baseline in targeting future project activities especially for women who are disproportionately vulnerable to economic risks and poverty. Tajikistan continues to face an extremely complex economic environment, with SMEs operating in a difficult global economic climate. The study specifically focuses on the obstacles faced by female business owners and women who seek to engage in business. By identifying the reasons for the low female participation rate in businesses and trade, the Aid for Trade project aims to develop concrete actions that would help increase women’s official participation within the private sector.