Experiences of Women Micro and Small Scale Enterprise owners in Manufacturing Sub-Sector Opportunities, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms in Gullele sub-city, Addis Ababa:
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the Opportunities, Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
of Women Micro and Small Scale Enterprise owners in manufacturing sub- sector in Gullele
sub-city, Addis Ababa. The study specifically covers metal works and leather and leather
product sub-sector. The researcher has used a qualitative research method and the research is
exploratory in type. The study used in-depth interviews, observation and key informants
interview to generate relevant data. Secondary data was also collected from relevant sources
including government reports and official statistics. Two sub-sectors namely metal work and
engineering and leather and leather products were selected through purposive sampling. A total
of 11 MSEs owners who were engaged in the two sub-sectors in the sub-city at the time of the
study were considered in the study. Findings of the study reveal that the conducive policies and
programs, increased recognition of MSE’s development as key for economic development, MSEs
as job creation opportunities and Institutional set-up are among the major opportunities for
women in MSEs. The challenges faced by women-owned MSEs are Lack of Adequate Finance,
Lack of Working Site/Premises, and lack access to adequate market, Work-life Balance, lack of
networking, and socio-cultural challenges. The major coping strategies adopted by the women
include resorting to saving form personal income through rotating saving institutions (Iqub),
borrowing from family, friends, and women association and expanding their networks.
Therefore, the government, women business owner themselves, and society should work to
improve the challenges faced by the women business owners in manufacturing sectors.
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Keywords
challenge, coping mechanism, manufacturing sector, Micro Enterprises, opportunity, Small Enterprises,