Women Participation in Entrepreneurship Business in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

The roles of women in sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. Women undertake a wide range of activities relating to trading of business, food production, processing, marketing and farming. Due to the significant roles that women play in economy, women participation in entrepreneurship business has also helped to increase her family’s meager income, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihood and enhancing the social well-being. However, the participation of women differs from one state to another because of their specific functions, characteristics and constraints, for that reason, this research provided better knowledge on women participation in entrepreneurship business in Nigeria, by reviewing and analyzing current literatures relating to women as agent of national development. In this study the review of literature which were sourced from Science Direct, Emerald and Journal Stores embraces concepts and perspectives related to reasons for women’s participation in business activities. The study identified systemic gender biases which exist in the form of customs, beliefs and attitudes and women’s economic and domestic workloads as issues and constraints related to women participation in entrepreneurship business in Nigeria. This study therefore recommended that full participation of women should be encouraged to achieve improved entrepreneurial business development and, hence, economic emancipation of women, which will eventually translate to better living conditions for Nigerians. Finally, women should be considered in planning and policy making, especially regarding empowerment.