Women Entrepreneurship in Micro, Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

Despite challenges, women in Akwa Ibom State have contributed meaningfully to poverty reduction and economic development of the state. Women entrepreneurs are engaged in different sectors of the economy. About 37% are in agriculture, 26.8% in trade, 18.5% in services and 4.8% in entertainment. However, there was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between skilled and unskilled women entrepreneurs in their contributions to improved economy of the state (improved family income, improved standard of living etc). But their contribution to level of patriotism was below cut-off point. There was no significant difference (P> 0.05) between women entrepreneurs in factors militating against their performance in MSMEs. Factor such as financial/start-up capital, cultural/religious barriers, legal problems, competition and poor infrastructure significantly militate against the performance of skilled and unskilled entrepreneurship in the state. This calls for strategic support from government, private organizations and individuals to enable women perform optimally and contribute more to the economic development of Akwa Ibom State.