Social enterprises in Nigeria: The prerequisite and motivating factors for gender balance and women empowerment

Abstract

The call for greater gender balance has been on the increase. This is predicated on the assumption that, where it exists, it has consistently produced more innovation, transparency, and attention to risk than is produced by the male dominated leadership of many established institutions. The study examined motivating factors for women social entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated incentives attracting women folks into the fold of social enterprises and its contribution to women empowerment. Primary data, obtained through the instrumentality of structured questionnaire administered on executives, employees, and beneficiaries of social enterprises in Nigeria, and personal interview conducted on selected social entrepreneurs, were analysed with the aids of descriptive statistical tools and social entrepreneurship theories to determine factors motivating women into social enterprises and to determine contribution to women empowerment. Findings revealed that large proportion of women and girls in Nigeria ventured into social enterprises because it provides avenue for them to assert themselves andparticipate fully in economic life across sectors. It is also improving women’s sense of self-worth; right to determine choices; right to access opportunities and resources; power to control own lives; and ability to influence the direction of social change. The study concludes that there is need for stakeholders to ensure enabling environment through which social entrepreneurship could thrive.