Assessment of Factors Affecting Women Entrepreneurs in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Women's entrepreneurship is gaining more prominence in this contemporary time than ever before. In recent times, the number of female entrepreneurs has been five times more than what it used to be for the past two decades, partly due to some efforts by the government and philanthropists to raise consciousness and awareness and promote women's entrepreneurship. However, there are some hindrances affecting the establishment and operation of businesses by women in Nigeria despite numerous interventions. This study assesses factors affecting women entrepreneurs in Lagos state, Nigeria. Three research questions and two hypotheses were raised and tested to guide this study. A descriptive survey research design was employed for this study. The study population comprised 157 women entrepreneurs registered with the Bank of Industry and Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Lagos State. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 112 female business owners whose businesses were still operating. A structured questionnaire titled: Women Entrepreneurs Assessment Scale was used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analyzed and presented using simple percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The hypotheses were analyzed using multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 significant level. The findings of this study revealed that gender discrimination significantly influences women entrepreneurs in business operations and that family commitment influences the business establishment and operation of female entrepreneurs, among others. The study concludes that women entrepreneurs contribute in no small measure to the development of the economy, and as such, women's entrepreneurship should be promoted and not be discriminated against. Based on the findings and conclusion reached, it was recommended that government enacts policies that will enhance women's entrepreneurship in Nigeria, such as empowerment programs, soft loans for women entrepreneurs, and anti-discrimination against women, among other things.