The governance networks supporting women entrepreneurs in West Africa

Abstract

Chapter 5 maps the governance networks of actors involved in supporting the economic activities of women in West Africa. An analysis of partnerships between organisations shows, first, that international organisations and certain West African and European countries play a central role in the governance networks related to gender. A synthesis of the programmes, priorities and partnerships of nine organisations among the hundreds involved in this area of governance illustrates the diversity of initiatives designed to promote the place of women in the productive economy and commerce in West Africa. Finally, an analysis of relationships between individuals within these organisations suggests that this field of governance remains fragmented. Nearly one in four actors is disconnected from the central network. This fragmentation and the absence of major intermediaries in the network contributes to weak co-ordination of development policies designed to help women entrepreneurs in the region.