CHALLENGES OF WOMEN STARTING A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to examine the difficulties faced by Nigerian women who want to launch their own businesses, specifically in relation to boutique owners in Ekosodin, Benin City. The specific objectives include: (i) To examine the factors that motivate women entrepreneurship. (ii) To ascertain the challenges facing women entrepreneurship. (iii) To determine the relationship between the factors and women entrepreneurial motivation. (iv) To examine the relationship between factors that motivates women enterprises and their type of business ownership. (v) To provide logical conclusions and policy recommendations on how women can overcome the challenges facing the establishment of business. The data required for this study was gathered through an interview script as in depth interviews were conducted. To achieve the objectives of this study, a narrative inquiry approach was used in the investigation. The results show that challenges of women starting a business enterprise in Nigeria results from a number of factors such as gender discrimination, financial constraints and infrastructural problems. Based on these findings and for policy implications, the study suggests that more women should be encouraged to start business and be equipped with managerial skills coupled with financial aid for effective performance.