Constraints and Opportunities Facing Rural Women Entrepreneurs: The Case of Murewa District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the constraints and opportunities faced by rural women entrepreneurs in Murewa District with a view to promote sustainable development. Marginalization and economic constraints have become major social problems across their ventures and this has resulted in lowering their morale and participation. Coupled to this, is the cancerous nature of governance constraints that has had negative effects on their access to financial resources to capacitate their businesses. The study adopted the survey as the principal research design. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. The questionnaires, focus group discussions, documents and key informant interview were used as the key data gathering tools. A representative sample of 96 participants was used from a target population of 960 participants. In terms of theoretical framework, the study was informed by the Asset Based Community Development theory. The study found that most of the participants perceived marginalization of women as a major problem affecting their participation in business in Zimbabwe. It was found out that the adoption of a vibrant and robust strategy to empower women and address the constraints is the solution/panacea to solving this problem. It emerged in the study that the principal objectives of fighting the constraints affecting women are to empower and safeguard the basic entitlements of the women and the need to create a business environment that is not gendered. Regardless of a plethora of constraints there are also opportunities that can enhance the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs.Essentially, it emerged from the respondents that there are vast opportunities facing rural women entrepreneurs and this had positive impact on women’s livelihoods in general. Additionally, the research findings noted that availing opportunities to rural women entrepreneurs, women’s livelihoods and production levels were increased.The study established that the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts in addressing the constraints and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs should be strongly supported by a multi-agency response to effectively address the challenges. The study findings revealed that women entrepreneurs lack the necessary anticipated gender mainstreaming strategies; this has continued to be a major drawback when it comes to compliance and enforcement of the proposed gender reform strategies. Therefore, the great need to revisit the current existing national gender policy framework which is being employed by government to promote practical solutions in addressing constraints and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs. The study recommends the adoption of a paradigm shift to devise best practices that may assist in ameliorating the constraints and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs. In addition, the study recommends further research in this seemingly grey area to contribute to the knowledge body regarding instituting good governance in issues relating to women entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe.