This article was originally published as: Rural Women Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Issues and Challenges
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Abstract
Despite its importance in rural development, women’s entrepreneurship has faced a series of problems in South Africa. For a holistic assessment of such problems, through a literature review approach, this study aims to review prior research on women entrepreneurship, with a focus on the issues and challenges surrounding rural women entrepreneurship in South Africa. Secondary information sources, such as journal articles, theses, books, abstracts, and credible business-affiliated websites, were used to conduct the review. Among the results emerging from the study, some of the key challenges facing South African rural women entrepreneurs include a lack of adequate financing, education and training, gender bias, inadequate business skills, and difficulties in balancing between family and business. In view of these challenges, this study recommends capacity-building programmes, a robust government policy framework, and opening wider channels of funding and awareness to foster entrepreneurial activities among rural women entrepreneurs in South Africa.
Authors
- Gift Donga (University of Fort Hare, South Africa)
- Tendai Chimucheka (University of Fort Hare, South Africa)
Keywords
rural women entrepreneurship, rural development, women empowerment, South Africa
References
References not available for this article.

