Women Enterpreneurship and social-economic development in Rwanda A case study of Women Enterpreneurs in Kigali City

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess Women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development in Rwanda within the City of Kigali. The study was guided by objectives as to assess the participation of women in entrepreneurship within the City of Kigali, to assess the benefits that women get in entrepreneurship, to identify the barriers that women face in entrepreneurship, to find out if there is any relationship between women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development in Rwanda. The study findings are intended to help Rwandan leaders especially socio-economic leaders and City of Kigali in particular to elaborate and implement different strategies that may alleviate barriers that affect the of women in the entrepreneurship. The information was gathered by using research instruments from a sample size of 81 respondents within the entire population of 439 individuals. The questionnaire was used to determine the women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development in Rwanda. Women entrepreneurship was identified as independent variables and socio-economic development as dependent variables. Based on findings from the field, it was concluded that there is significant relationship between women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development. This study recommends to Rwandan Government to promote the development of women entrepreneur networks, to increase women’s trainings in order to provide them more skills and knowledge while the National Women’s Council to identify ways that improve the effectiveness of businesses that should be retained for women entrepreneurs. For Women entrepreneurs this study suggested to increase their level of education, have self- confidence within their activities and finally for further studies to assess the challenges/barriers of Rwandan women entrepreneurship towards the socio-economic development.