Rural Women Entrepreneurs Research Articles

Mediating effect of self-control on financial literacy and savings behaviour of rural women entrepreneurs

Background: Savings behaviour is crucial for any economic and investment activity. The ability of rural enterprises to save is difficult because of their ignorance of the benefits of savings, low-income levels and inability to commit personal savings, which falls to certain factors that include financial literacy (financial knowledge, financial attitude) and self-control.Aim: The article aims to examine the mediating effect of self-control on financial literacy (financial knowledge, financial attitude) and savings behaviour of rural women entrepreneurs in Mokwa Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria.Setting: The population comprised 340 rural women trained by the Department of Commerce on financial literacy applications in the 11 wards of Mokwa Local Government. A total of 175 respondents were identified using the Krejcie and Morgan sample size table.Methods: Primary quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using partial least square (PLS) path modelling.Results: The empirical results revealed that financial knowledge and financial attitude exerted a positive effect on the savings behaviour of rural women entrepreneurs.Conclusion: The conclusion drawn from the study is that the financial literacy of rural women entrepreneurs is empirically related to how they save.Contribution: Based on the research findings, the study recommends that government agencies supervising and coordinating the activities of entrepreneurs like SMEDAN and also financial institutions like Microfinance Banks should facilitate flexible, understandable and acceptable programmes that will enlighten rural entrepreneurs on the importance of savings for investment and the nation at large.

Exploring the interplay between female entrepreneurship and marriage: Insights through bibliometric analysis

This study utilizes a bibliometric analysis to examine the intersection of marriage and female entrepreneurship and identify five key themes: the gender gap in entrepreneurship, rural women entrepreneurship, female entrepreneurial concerns, entrepreneurship-family structure, and cultural problems of women entrepreneurs. Conducting a strategic diagram shows that the “entrepreneurship-family structure” is extensively developed and central, while the “gender gap in entrepreneurship” and “female’s entrepreneurial concerns” show no internal development but provide foundational knowledge for the other themes. Conversely, “rural women's entrepreneurship” and “cultural problems of women’s entrepreneurs” are well developed in theory but lack practical application in all topics. Additionally, the study proposes a conceptual framework that illustrates how work-family conflict and role ambiguity influence the gender gap in entrepreneurship. Applying the developed framework helps reduce the gender gap in entrepreneurship.

Roles of financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation in economic empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs

ABSTRACT Policy makers, particularly in developing countries, view entrepreneurship as a stepping stone for achieving women’s economic empowerment. However, simply attaching women to the labour market and providing them access to financial resources may not transform their economic well-being unless it is accompanied by agencies such as financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation. In this context, we empirically test the seminal theoretical framework of Kabeer (1999) for understanding women empowerment, using primary data for 820 Indian rural women entrepreneurs. Employing alternate empirical specifications and using instrumental variable regression to address the potential endogeneity of financial literacy, we find that financial literacy and entrepreneurial orientation play important roles in enhancing financial well-being, our measure of economic empowerment. The results hold even after controlling for the experience of the entrepreneur, family support and strength of social network. The findings call for designing interventions to foster financial literacy among poor women entrepreneurs.

Rural women entrepreneurship: when femininity compensates for institutional hurdles

Rural women entrepreneurship: when femininity compensates for institutional hurdles

Enhancing Women’s Entrepreneurship in Rural Ecuador: A Study Protocol Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals

Women entrepreneurs in rural Ecuador face significant obstacles, including limited access to education, financial services, and business networks. Despite their vital role in the economy, gender inequalities hinder their success. This study protocol aims to evaluate the impact of a tailored business training program designed to empower rural women entrepreneurs and promote sustainable economic development. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (Goal 4), Gender Equality (Goal 5), and Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8), the program will assess improvements in women’s agency, confidence, and business performance. Key results include a 54% increase in perceived self-efficacy and a 200% increase in locus of control observed in the pre-pilot phase, indicating enhanced decision-making capacities and program effectiveness. Expected improvements in business performance will be measured by sales figures and financial growth, with anticipated positive impacts on SDG 8. The program will also track participation rates, with high enrollment and completion rates contributing to SDG 4. Additionally, financial stability and the number of engaged suppliers will be monitored, supporting SDG 8. By incorporating additional structural interventions, the study will offer insights into enhancing the empowerment of rural women entrepreneurs, creating a holistic impact that fosters both individual and community development.

E-commerce and rural women entrepreneurship ——Based on the quasi-natural experiment of “comprehensive demonstration policy” for E-commerce in rural areas

The importance of information and communication technology in rural areas has gradually become prominent, and rural e-commerce has emerged as a crucial driver for promoting agricultural and rural development. This paper takes the comprehensive demonstration policy for e-commerce in rural areas as a quasi-natural experiment. It is based on five-period panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and employs the staggered difference-in-differences method to examine the impact of e-commerce on rural women entrepreneurship and its mechanisms. The research results indicate that the implementation of the comprehensive demonstration policy for e-commerce in rural areas significantly increases the probability of rural women engaging in entrepreneurship by 1.6 %. The entrepreneurial promotion effect of this demonstration policy is more pronounced for rural women in the central and western regions and those with lower educational levels, demonstrating the inclusiveness of e-commerce in rural development. Additionally, this promotion effect is also significantly influenced by marital heterogeneity. Mechanism analysis results suggest that the comprehensive demonstration policy for e-commerce in rural areas can stimulate the use of information and communication technology by rural women, leverage the crucial role of non-traditional education in skill development, alleviate financial and social capital constraints for rural women, and inspire a wave of rural women entrepreneurship. The paper argues that the construction of rural e-commerce has the potential to empower rural women entrepreneurship.

Strategies for Leveraging Digital Libraries to Improve Financial Literacy among Rural Entrepreneurial Women

The topic of women's financial inclusion has gained international attention, and prior research has shown conflicting results about the factors that influence financial inclusion among Rural Women Entrepreneurs (RWE) worldwide. Nonetheless, previous research has seldom examined how women's financial inclusion is impacted by digital financial literacy and Digital Libraries (DLs). An individual with financial literacy is equipped with the information and abilities needed to make wise business choices. The ability of business owners to get the capital they need has a beneficial impact on the expansion of the national economy. Making sure vulnerable populations, including low-income RWEs, have affordable access to suitable financial goods and services is known as financial inclusion. The geographical region under investigation was the southern part of India. The participants in the study were 499 RWE from five different states (Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and Telangana). A total of 259 respondents who used Digital Financial Goods & Services (DFG & S) using DLs and 240 respondents who did not utilize financial services took part in the survey. The statistical analysis compares the revenue of individuals who use DFG&S through DLs and those who do not use DFG & S. The annual savings exhibit a substantial disparity, shown by a T-ratio of 2.684 and a p-value of 0.015, which suggests a noteworthy difference at a significance level of 1.5%. Results indicate that those who answer save more money each year than those who do not react. On the other hand, the wealth parameter exhibits a T-ratio of 1.987 and a p-value of 0.123, indicating no statistically significant wealth disparity between the two respondent groups.

Empowering her drive: Unveiling the resilience and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in rural landscapes

Rural women entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in poverty eradication and inclusive development, yet many women in developing nations, including Tanzania, grapple with challenges hindering their enterprise success. This study delves into these challenges and explores resilience strategies for positive transformations. Primary data was collected from 540 women-led enterprises in the Tabora region between April and June 2022, analyzed using the One-parameter logistic, and Ordinary Robust Least Square models. The One-parameter logistic model, suited for binary outcomes, reveals nuanced challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs, with government policy, regulatory environment, and education and training showing positive and significant relationships to discrimination, while cultural factors, infrastructure, and socioeconomic characteristics exhibit negative significant relationships. The Ordinary Robust Least Square model indicates that resilience strategies, including diversification of income streams, access to credit, skills development training, sustainable agriculture practices, and value addition programs, significantly influence women entrepreneurs' performance. These strategies empower women to overcome challenges and thrive. Conclusively, the study advocates for targeted policy interventions fostering education, financial inclusion, and sector-specific support to empower and enhance the resilience of women entrepreneurs, contributing to broader socioeconomic development.

Women entrepreneurship in marginalized communities: Does culture, Ubuntu, religiosity and ancestral relevance matter?

ABSTRACT Poverty alleviation at the bottom of the pyramid hitches, inter alia, on rural women entrepreneurship in emerging and marginalized economies. The study was focused on understanding the influence of cultural orientations (vertical individualism and horizontal collectivism) and peculiar African beliefs (social axioms) of Ubuntu, ancestral relevance and religiosity on rural women’s entrepreneurial intentions. Data was collected from 200 rural women in Zimbabwe. Analysis of data was done using structural equation modeling in Amos. Results revealed significant relationships between cultural orientations and African beliefs, as well as between Ubuntu and entrepreneurial intention. However, religiosity and ancestral relevance were not significantly related to entrepreneurial intention. In promoting rural women entrepreneurship, Governments, Non-Governmental organizations and financial institutions may include culture orientations and Ubuntu in their training manuals and also in screening potential entrepreneurs on loan applications.

Rural Women Entrepreneurship in South Africa: Issues and Challenges

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.

Evaluating the access to Common Service Centres for banking services from the perspective of rural women entrepreneur

The present research investigates the potential for women’s economic involvement to bring about transformational outcomes, specifically focusing on developing countries. This study explores how women’s engagement in economic activities might effectively address poverty and promote gender equality. This study examines the emerging landscape of internet enterprises, providing a crucial opportunity for women who face limitations due to household and societal factors. This study adopts a scholarly perspective by examining the implementation of Common Service Centres (CSCs) by the Indian government. It employs a comprehensive research approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The primary objective is to analyze the usage of government programs, specifically focusing on the engagement of rural women entrepreneurs with CSCs and internet connectivity. The results derived from a comprehensive examination of secondary data and surveys conducted among CSCs and small women-owned offline firms in Chhattisgarh highlight the significant impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the dissemination of information. The advent of ICT and the integration of CSCs in banking activities have ushered in profound changes in our economic landscape. Cost reduction and increased knowledge accessibility through technological advancements have been instrumental.

The rise of home-returning women's entrepreneurship in China's rural development: Producing the enterprising self through empowerment, cooperation, and networking

The phenomenon of return migration is on the rise in China as more young rural women are returning to their home communities for entrepreneurship and small business development, reshaping power structures and social identities in rural areas. This study explores the strategies of rural women entrepreneurs (RWE) in inventing and transforming themselves through personal training, professional education, capacity building, gaining individual success, and building confidence. The study draws on data collected in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, Southwestern China in June 2019 and August 2021. Specifically, the study examines how RWE strategically network with various resources, skills, knowledge, and social capital to negotiate multiple heterogeneous actors in terms of resistance, resilience, and adaptation. Additionally, the study showcases the crucial influence RWE have on maintaining family households, economic benefits, cultural inheritance, and community development.The study provides a case study to understand the life experience, capabilities, and network strategies of rural return migrant women in a fiercely competitive market and complex society, exploring the leadership of women entrepreneurs and the process of how they actively create social value and facilitate social change. This research enriches the scholarship of women's entrepreneurship in China, advancing broader debates including rural renaissance, women's competence, ability construction, gender equality, and social harnessing. It highlights how Chinese rural women use their political and social skills to network multiple actors, reflecting the dramatic social change and cultural shifts in China. The study's ethnographic findings suggest that new paths are needed for entrepreneurship to support these emerging social and economic changes in rural communities.

Women's contributions to rural development: implications for entrepreneurship policy

PurposePolicy for women's entrepreneurship is designed to promote economic growth, not least in depleted rural areas, but very little is known about the contributions of rural women entrepreneurs, their needs or how the existing policy is received by them. Using a theoretical framework developed by Korsgaard et al. (2015), the authors analyse how rural women entrepreneurs contribute to rural development and discuss the implications for entrepreneurship policy. This paper aims to focus on the aforementioned objectives.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed 32 women entrepreneurs in rural Sweden representing the variety of businesses in which rural Swedish women are engaged. The authors analysed their contributions to rural development by analysing their motives, strategies and outcomes using Korsgaard et al.’s framework of “entrepreneurship in the rural” and “rural entrepreneurship” as a heuristic, interpretative device.FindingsIrrespective of industry, the respondents were deeply embedded in family and local social structures. Their contributions were substantial, multidimensional and indispensable for rural viability, but the policy tended to bypass most women-owned businesses. Support in terms of business training, counselling and financing are important, but programmes especially for women tend to miss the mark, and so does rural development policy. More important for rural women entrepreneurs in Sweden is the provision of good public services, including for example, schools and social care, that make rural life possible.Research limitations/implicationsTheoretically, the findings question the individualist and a-contextual focus of much entrepreneurship research, as well as the taken-for-granted work–family divide. How gender and how the public and the private are configured varies greatly between contexts and needs contextual assessment. Moreover, the results call for theorising place as an entrepreneurial actor.Practical implicationsBased on the findings, the authors advise future policymakers to gender mainstream entrepreneurship policy and to integrate entrepreneurship and rural development policy with family and welfare state policy.Originality/valueThe paper highlights how rural women respond to policy, and the results are contextualised, making it possible to compare them to other contexts. The authors widen the discussion on contributions beyond economic growth, and the authors show that policy for public and commercial services and infrastructure is indeed also policy for entrepreneurship.

Rural Women Entrepreneurship in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges

Rural Women Entrepreneurship in Malaysia: Issues and Challenges

The Impact of Microfinance on Socio- Economic Empowerment of Rural Women and Improving the Standard of Living in Karnataka.

Abstract: This study reviews annual reports of NABARD -“Status of Microfinance in India” on microfinance significance through savings by rural poor, financial inclusion, bank linkage and women entrepreneurship through SHGs for the upliftment of the standard of living of the rural poor of Karnataka state over the period from 2016-17 to 2020-21. In conducting this study five moderating variables are identified which are independent in nature and facilitates the act of poverty alleviation through microfinance. The data is being collected from secondary sources and analysed to know how SHGs and bank linkage of rural poor contributing for the women entrepreneurship for the upliftment of the standard of living of rural poor of Karnataka state by increasing savings among the members of SHGs. This Study reviews the amount of credit allocated for different aspects of microfinance to achieve the objectives set at the core

Pabiben.com – integrating Gandhian philosophies for business growth

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to strike a balance between business growth and keeping the core Gandhian philosophies intact; to evaluate the relevance of Gandhian philosophy in the age of the digital era, especially for the grassroots enterprises; and to identify the leadership characteristics demonstrated by Pabiben from the lens of servant-leadership theory. Case overview/synopsis The case describes the journey of a grassroots-based rural women entrepreneur, Pabibben, who had created an artisan's enterprise and rural business model based on Gandhian philosophies. The case focuses on whether Gandhian philosophies are still relevant in today's time for business growth. The case appeals to the academic fraternity, budding entrepreneurs, social sector start-ups and practitioners who believe in the inclusive and holistic growth of an individual, community, society and the nation. The case is about the dilemma of how to grow a business ethically and balance economic and social gain. Pabiben used Gandhian philosophies as a set of values to make decisions and set policies for her business. Pabiben wanted to grow her business and expand her e-commerce portal “Pabiben.com” for other artisans to display, promote and sell their products to the global communities. She had to decide on the following: 1. Should she sell other artisans' products under “Pabiben.com”? 2. Should she allow other artisans to create their own identity on the portal and help the artisans' community grow? 3. Are Gandhian philosophies still relevant in today’s time for business growth?

Women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Zimbabwe

PurposeThe main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 400 women entrepreneurs in various sectors. The participants were in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Structural equation modeling in SmartPLS version 3 was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsThe study established that women entrepreneurship is driven by financial factors, positive environmental factors, positive psychological factors as well as positive sociological factors for a sustainable rural livelihood.Research limitations/implicationsIt is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream.Practical implicationsThe study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities. Future research can be done in other areas of provinces to avoid generalization challenges.Social implicationsMany challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business.Originality/valueThe study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship.

Exploration of Technology Adoption in Urban & Rural Women Entrepreneurs of Peshawar

Drawing upon Experiential Learning theory, this study aims to explore the adoption of technology amongst women entrepreneurs in rural and urban areas of Peshawar, Pakistan. 30 semi-structured interviews have been conducted from rural (Achini Paya) and Urban (Peshawar city) areas of Peshawar through purposive sampling. To analyze the data, a qualitative Content Analysis has been used in a two-step manifest coding and latent coding. The data results reveal those different dynamics (such as technology knowledge gap, economic and social constraints of urban and rural settings) affects women entrepreneurs' adoption of technology. Women in urban areas use mobile technology for business, albeit, with restricted exposure, while rural women entrepreneurs are not exposed to technology due to many factors particularly patriarchal structures. The study reveals that there is a lack of technology adoption, and the learning drive is mostly absent in women entrepreneurs from relatively marginalized communities.

An assessment of the challenges and opportunities in financing rural women entrepreneurship in the micro, small and medium enterprises sector in cameroon

Fundamentally, women are one of the major drivers of social and economic growth through entrepreneurship development. Their role in impacting rural entrepreneurial activities by boosting rural employment and capital are praiseworthy. Women entrepreneurs are financial assets for development. For any developing country to emerge, its rural development countryside through entrepreneurship have to be efficient in resources allocation. The dangers to achieving this at the - post-Covid-19 era are enormous considering existing rural business financing challenges. Digital financial transformation could resolve these barriers. Using a qualitative research approach,this study examines the challenges and opportunities in financing rural women businesses. It comments that, financial digitalization, banking proximity, financial inclusion, financial care services and government support system can enhance rural women entrepreneurial productivity and reduce the level of poverty.

Repositioning Small and Medium Scale Enterprises for Growth: Focus on Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Abia State, Nigeria

Entrepreneurship is a potential tool for economic transformation, considering the impact it has on employment, wealth generation, and spurring local entrepreneurship. Thus, women entrepreneurs the world over, have continued to contribute significantly to the growth and development of their economies through this medium. This paper assessed the ways in which rural women SMEs can be repositioned for maximum growth, based on two objectives: to examine the factors that affect rural women SMEs; and to ascertain the determinants of growth of rural women SMEs. The paper utilized survey research method, and deployed a structured questionnaire based on the 5-point Likert scale. 250 participants were drawn for the study, while face and content validity techniques were employed. Reliability rate was determined using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient Statistical Procedure. Findings revealed that rural women entrepreneurs are plagued with challenges ranging from lack of quality education, poor state of infrastructure, ineffective credit system as well as a harsh business climate. As a result, factors such as improved market access, ensuring an effective value chain, increased competitiveness, enhanced market entry, quality education/skill acquisition, efficient credit system, adequate infrastructure, and a friendly and enabling business environment were advocated for. The paper recommended among others, the need for financial inclusion and efficient credit system for rural women to enhance the growth of their SMEs.