ISSN 2736-1578
African Journal of Gender and Women Studies ISSN 2516-9831 Vol. 2 (1), pp. 057-068, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Hindrances encountered by women entrepreneurs in accessing financial opportunities in South Africa
Gary Coetzee Musk1, G. H. Botha2* and Bernand Shaun Neil1
1Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Faculty of Business, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.
2Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 30 December, 2016
Abstract
Research on female entrepreneurship is imperative to create a knowledge base of women’s experiences with regards to being financially excluded in South Africa. There is a realisation, however, that, while race has historically been the primary driver of economic disparities in South Africa, other forms of discrimination also prevent certain groups from accessing economic freedom and opportunities. Women, who represent 52% of the South African population, still suffer from historical and cultural prejudice in accessing opportunities, for a number of reasons that are outlined in this study. While access to financial services continues to be largely racially defined in South Africa, the gender gap between men and women does exist, and is likely to grow if special efforts are not undertaken to address the underlying issues now. Black women are the largest single self-employed segment of the population; a fact that is not reflected in the current industry targets for business activity. This paper examines the extent to which financial service providers in the country were sufficiently aware of the challenges facing women entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Key words: Female entrepreneurs, gender inequality, entrepreneurial motivation.