Analysis of the nature and status of women entrepreneurs in nigeria

Abstract

The study is on nature and status of women entrepreneurs in Kogi State, Nigeria. It explores the socio-cultural, economic and institutional issues that affect women entrepreneur’s activities and performance in the State. In this study both qualitative and quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, and a mixed methods approach was used to get both types of data. The results show that women entrepreneurs in Kogi State encounter a variety of problems such as lack of financial support, poor infrastructure and negative attitudes of the society towards women business enterprise. Nevertheless, women are resilient and are equipped with good entrepreneurial skills, doing various economic activities to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to household welfare despite the constraints. The study highlights the need of positive government policies, financial services and community-based support systems to enable women entrepreneurs and improve the conducive environment for its establishment, growth and sustainability. To overcome these and to reinforce institutional and social support systems, the entrepreneurial potential of women can be unleashed so that they can contribute to meaningful economic development in Kogi State.