Investigating the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Abstract

Women as the previously disadvantaged species have been encouraged to open businesses all over the world. Some businesses that are owned by woman succeed some fail. It is evident that the rate at which the women respond to this call is positive judging by the number of businesses that are owned by women in the country. The ventures that are owned by woman some are new some are old but all of these woman entrepreneurs do encounter challenges, it is a fact. The fact that there is a success or failure means that these women encounter a number of challenges within and outside their business. The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship. A sample of 10 women entrepreneurs participated in the study. These women were chosen systematically using probability approach whereby a list of women entrepreneurs was obtained from the Durban Chamber of Commerce. Interviews were conducted as the instrument for collecting data. Data was analysed using tables and graphs. The results yielded by this study showed that indeed women do encounter some challenges in their entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore, it was discovered from the study that the majority of challenges emanate from a lack of education and a lack of skills and development. It is important for our government to intervene by formulating programmes that will address the exact needs of women entrepreneurs and it is essential that there be follow up on the service providers so as to track the satisfaction of women in entrepreneurship and whether the programmes are achieving what they set out to achieve. Finally this study provides the recommendations based on this study which are meant to address the challenges facing women in entrepreneurship.