An Investigation of the Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries: A Case of King Williams’ Town, South Africa

Abstract

This research investigates the challenges that are faced by women entrepreneurs in King Williams Town, South Africa, which can be generalised to developing countries as well. Some objectives of the study were to determine whether lack of education is a barrier to the success of women entrepreneurs, also, whether being unexposed to markets hinder the success of women entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs are discriminated against in a male dominated society among other objectives. In-depth interviews were used to gather primary data from thirty respondents. The results indicate that family pressures hinders the success of women entrepreneurs, lack of education is a barrier to the success of women entrepreneurs, being unexposed to markets hinder the success of women entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs are discriminated against in a male dominated society. The researcher recommends that governments of developing nations must offer financial support and mentorship programmes to women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, measures to improve access to finance by women entrepreneurs need to be undertaken, for example, government intervention in reducing discrimination from the financial institutions and help them gain access to international markets. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1187