DETERMINANTS OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUCCESS IN ZIMBABWE. A CASE STUDY OF HARARE METROPOLITAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The role of women in economic development through participation in the informal sector has been widely reported in the extant literature. This study explores the determinants of women entrepreneurship success in the Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. Self-completed questionnaires were used to collect data from four hundred (400) women entrepreneurs, as well as semi-structured interviews with key informants in the Harare Metropolitan Province. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. The study indicated the following determinants for success: leadership skills, managerial skills, education and training, motivation for success, confidence, self-esteem, creativity and innovation. In turn, the key factors inhibiting the success of women entrepreneurship included, lack of access to finance, poor regulatory environment, uncertain economic environment, societal stereotypes and poor family support. The study conclusions highlight the need for women entrepreneurs to cultivate leadership skills, improve business education skills and training, adopt innovative thinking and to craft creative strategies. The main recommendations emphasise the need for government support in mobilizing financial resources, simplifying licensing requirements, and reducing business-related taxes for women entrepreneurs.