Women entrepreneurship in Botswana : characteristics of their enterprises and contributions to economic development

Abstract

The role of women entrepreneurs in economic development varies depending on the country's resources, industrial climate and political system. Women have been inspired by our country's changing socio-economic profile and government policies that encourage women to pursue entrepreneurship to achieve financial independence. This thesis shows that the number of women choosing entrepreneurship as a career option has steadily increased. Public policies and programs to help women own and run businesses may be misguided due to lack of understanding of women's contributions. That is why this thesis investigated women's business characteristics and roles in economic development in Botswana using a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. To collect quantitative data from 85 women entrepreneurs from a total population of 552 in the greater Gaborone area of Botswana, a five-point Likert scale was used. For the qualitative approach, an interview guide was used for the sampled 20 women entrepreneurs and the Gender Affairs Department. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS 26 and qualitative data using content analysis. The research findings revealed that most women entrepreneurs are self-motivated and have a natural passion for business and self-awareness. In addition to unemployment, these women need a flexible work schedule and a decent wage to support their families. The thesis also found that the entrepreneur's family members have a significant impact on her ambition. Most female founders who chose entrepreneurship had strong support from family or friends. The study found that non-monetary goals had a stronger pull than monetary goals. According to the findings, more women with a college degree or higher were starting businesses. Education level and type of business operation had a significant relationship. In this regard, the education curriculum should be reoriented. According to the findings, women have raised the standard of living for their families and communities, provided employment, and served as role models for their children. The central government should focus its policies on the economically active age group and single mothers, who make up most Botswana's women entrepreneurs. They must assist these women in starting their businesses and provide support through the training and through programs that improve their innovative characteristics and abilities, create opportunities for impoverished individuals, expand GDP, develop per capita income, and provide better living standards. Education is essential for women entrepreneurs. It should be fully promoted possible because it improves women's ability to acquire the necessary knowledge and fundamentals to distinguish, identify, and seize business opportunities as forcefully as their male counterparts.