Gender Discrepancies in Inclusive Innovations and Industrial Development in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study focused on gender discrepancies in innovations and industrial development in Zimbabwe. The target population are into innovations in Kelvin West and City hall in Bulawayo city of Zimbabwe. Gender discrepancies are as a result of many factors that range from cultural to religious or traditional beliefs. This has seen lesser women in taking part in innovations that are traditionally male dominated. Women are involved in small innovations at a smaller scale due to the numerous roles that they do. The family and societal expectations on women hinders them to develop their small enterprises to big industries. While men have more opportunities to engage in any activity and they also more mobile than women. The society also expect them to run around and fend for the families hence increasing their networks that would help them enlarge their enterprises. The women have to be empowered to do what they are capable of doing and society has to appreciate one capabilities regardless of their gender orientation. The owners of small enterprise would benefit from being linked with the outside world. Hence skills for networking should be imparted into the owners of small enterprises to enable to expand.