An Investigation of the Sociocultural Factors Affecting the Development of Women Entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the sociocultural factors that affect the growth of women entrepreneurship among SMEs in a developing economy, which is experiencing a turbulent period of low economic growth. Specifically, the study investigates how certain social and cultural aspects, such as women immobility, family roles, a low level of education and husbands’ or partners’ attitudes towards women participation in business, act as facilitating or inhibiting factors for women entrepreneurship. The findings from survey questionnaires completed by 150 women entrepreneurs reveal that negative attitude, traditional family roles, lack of education and lack of support from husbands or partners inhibit the growth of women entrepreneurship. The results of the study provide some invaluable insights to policy makers about how women entrepreneurship could be promoted so that women entrepreneurs can realise their full potential.