Challenges on the Economic Empowerment of Women in Micro and Small Enterprise Sector: - The Case of Addis Ababa City, Addis Ketema Sub-City
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Date
2023-11-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to assess challenges in the economic empowerment of women's micro and small enterprise (MSE) operators. The study attempted to respond to the questions (1) what are the factors that contributed to the lower performance of women-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs), (2) the available support services by the government and financial institutions to empower women in the sector, and (3) the structural and systemic barriers in the support service system. The study employed mixed methods research. A total of 178 women MSE operators had taken part in the quantitative survey. A random sampling method was used to select survey respondents and purposive sampling techniques used to conduct qualitative interviews. Findings of the study revealed that women MSE operators faced challenges in accessing credit, input, information, and business training. Support institutions also had found to be challenged to provide context-sensitive services for women MSEs that factors like raw material shortage, lack of finance, financial literacy, and collateral issues in addressing the economic empowerment needs. The study recommends government and financial institutions should provide context-sensitive services, such as targeted incentives, simplified tax systems, and alternative financing options, and that concerned bodies should find a way to economically empower women MSE operators.
Women MSE operators, Women empowerment, economic empowerment, Addis Ababa
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Women MSE operators, Women empowerment, economic empowerment, Addis Ababa