WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FAMILY SOCIO- …
Transcript of WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FAMILY SOCIO- …
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND FAMILY SOCIO-
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RWANDA
A CASE STUDY OF REBA UNYURWE HANDCRAFT
COOPERATIVE IN MUHANGA DISTRICT
KAGOYIRE SOPHIE
MDS/0063/13
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Award of a Degree in
Master of Development Studies of Mount Kenya University
MARCH 2015
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DEDICATION
With special admiration, I dedicate this thesis to Almighty God, my husband
HABIMANA J.Paul and my children Lebéni, Benson, Bruce, Benita, Belise and
L’Homme-Béni.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost my sincere thanks to God, who has truly given me the required energy
to undertake this tremendous work and love in abundance and above all the sufficient
grace.
I am also indebted to many others who have contributed their ideas, their help and their
encouragement to this book. I am thankful to my husband whose early enthusiasm for this
topic helped me to begin it. Throughout the writing of this research, his assistance has
been invaluable to me. My deepest appreciation goes also to my family, and relatives who
have shared with me the joys and the frustrations of writing and for their continued moral
and financial support.
Academically, I owe special thanks to my supervisor Anne Eboi who already knows
everything in this book and whom I am blessed to call my role model, for the exceptional
manner in which she guided me through this process. Her time, the many corrections,
realignments and insights and above all, her kindness, patience and invaluable
atmosphere were very treasured.
I appreciate my colleagues and classmates, who in one way or another became my
extended family, because of their advice to enhance my research skills. Other than
individuals and myself, I am also grateful to the entire Mount Kenya University
management and lecturers who impacted me with skills and knowledge.
Finally I am so thankful to the proud women members of Reba Unyurwe Cooperative
who accepted to answer my questionnaire and whose life fascinated and inspired me.
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ABSTRACT
The study on women entrepreneurs and family social economic development aimed at
assessing whether there was a positive correlation between women in entrepreneurship
and their family socioeconomic development. The number of women all over the world is
larger than the number of men, but their contribution in socio-economic development is
still low especially in developing countries. The main objective of this research was to
assess the contribution of women entrepreneurs on the socio-economic development of
their families and households. It was guided by three specific objectives: To identify
challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and how these are addressed; to assess the
drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba - Unyurwe
cooperative and to highlight the correlation between entrepreneurship and socio-
economic development. This research focused on women members of a handcraft making
cooperative in Muhanga District with a connection to Gahaya Links Company. The
research reviewed the studies related to women entrepreneurship and socio-economic
development. The target population was 200 women members of craft making from Reba
unyurwe Cooperative. The sample size was 67 people. The study used stratified and
simple random sampling techniques. To get the findings, quantitative and qualitative
research was focused on both primary and secondary data which were collected by the
use of questionnaires. The data entry and management was undertaken using the
Statistical Package For Social Sciences (SPSS, 16 version). This research concluded that
there was a positive and strong relationship between women entrepreneurship and family
socio-economic development. The study revealed that women entrepreneurs affect social
economic development at the rate of 78.3%. The research recommends that women
entrepreneurs must minimize all loss caused by lack of training and low level of
education that leads to lack of managerial skills in order to achieve high level of
performance in their routine activities of business. Hence, the level of socio-economic
development depends on the performance of their business. This study is significant to the
Government of Rwanda for policy making purposes. The Government needs to promote
women entrepreneurs by encouraging grassroots self-help efforts in several ways,
including funding direct operations, training, and education and subsidiary activities of
community groups.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
DECLARATION.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
DEDICATION...................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................ iv
ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ v
TABLE OF CONTENT .................................................................................................... vi
LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ ix
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... x
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ........................................................ xi
DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS .................................................................................. xii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. 1
1.0. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of the Study ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................ 4
1.3 Objectives of the Study ................................................................................................ 5
1.3.1.General Objective ..................................................................................................... 5
1.3.2. Specific Objectives ................................................................................................... 5
1.4. Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Significance of the Study.............................................................................................. 6
1.6 Limitations of the Study .............................................................................................. 7
1.7 The scope of the Study ................................................................................................. 7
1.7.1 Content Scope ........................................................................................................... 7
1.7.2 Geographical Scope .................................................................................................. 7
1.7.3 Time Scope.............................................................................................................. 8
1.8 Organization of the Study ............................................................................................ 8
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CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ..................................... 9
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Theoretical literature ................................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Overview of entrepreneurship .................................................................................. 9
2.1.2 Women entrepreneurship ....................................................................................... 12
2.1.3 Socio-economic development .................................................................................. 16
2.2 Empirical literature ................................................................................................... 18
2.3. Critical review and Research Gap Identification ...................................................... 21
2.4 Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................. 22
2.4 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................. 24
2.6 Summary ................................................................................................................... 26
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .............................................. 28
3.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 28
3.1 Research design ......................................................................................................... 28
3.2 Target Population ...................................................................................................... 28
3. 3 Sample Design .......................................................................................................... 29
3.3.1 Sample Size ............................................................................................................. 29
3.4 Data collection mmethods .......................................................................................... 30
3.4.1 Data collections’ instruments .................................................................................. 30
3.4.2 Administration of data collection instruments ........................................................ 30
3.4.3 Reliability and validity ............................................................................................ 31
3.5 Data analysis procedures ........................................................................................... 31
3.6 Ethical considerations ................................................................................................ 31
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION ........................... 33
4.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 33
4.1.Demographic Characteristics of Respondents ............................................................ 33
4.2 Presentation of Findings ............................................................................................ 35
4.2.1 Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative ......... 35
4.2.2 The Drivers That Influence Women Socio-Economic Development in Reba-Unyurwe
cooperative ...................................................................................................................... 41
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4.2.3 Relationship Between Women Entrepreneurship And Family Socio-Economic
Development ................................................................................................................... 53
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................. 56
5.0 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 56
5.1 Summary of the Major Findings .......................................................................... 56
5.1.1 Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs .................................................... 56
5.1.2 The drivers that Influence Women Socio-Economic Development In Reba -
Unyurwe Cooperative ..................................................................................................... 57
5.1.3 Relationship Between Entrepreneurship And Family Socio-Economic Development
........................................................................................................................................ 58
5.2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 59
5.2 Recommendations ................................................................................................ 61
5.3 Suggestions for Further Studies ................................................................................. 63
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 64
APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 68
Appendix I: Questionnaire .............................................................................................. 69
Appendix II: Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative Research Authorization letter ......... Error!
Bookmark not defined.
Appendix III: Mount Kenya University Research Authorization letter .............. Error!
Bookmark not defined.
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: sample size ........................................................................................................ 29
Table 4.2: Cooperative registration.................................................................................... 33
Table 4.3: Way of registration ........................................................................................... 34
Table 4.4: Accessibility to bank account ........................................................................... 34
Table 4.5: Experience in the business ................................................................................ 35
Table 4.6: Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative .... 36
Table 4.7: Views of respondents on Government policies ............................................... 41
Table 4.8: Views of respondents on ownership of the business ........................................ 41
Table 4.9: Opinions of respondents on source of money in startup of the business .......... 42
Table 4.10: Views of respondents on influencing factors in business ............................... 43
Table 4.11: Views of respondents on special treatment as a woman entrepreneur ........... 44
Table 4.12: Views of respondents on respect within the society, easy access to loan,
improvement in living standards ........................................................................................ 44
Table 4.13: Views of respondents on policies concerning women entrepreneurship in
Rwanda .............................................................................................................................. 45
Table 4.14: Views of respondents on the sufficiency of a handcraft market in Rwanda .. 46
Table 4.15: Views of respondents on being a member of other associations as an element
that affects entrepreneurship .............................................................................................. 46
Table 4.16: Views of respondents on services obtained from the Government of Rwanda
............................................................................................................................................ 47
Table 4.17: Views of respondents on improvement of socio-economic development ...... 48
Table 4.18: Views of respondents on educated women and poor household’s income .... 49
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Table 4.19: Relationship between women entrepreneurs and socio-economic development
............................................................................................................................................ 53
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 2.1: Women entrepreneurs and socio-economic development ............................... 25
Figure 4.2: Perception of respondents on level of taxes .................................................... 38
Figure 4.3: Views of respondents on lack of training ........................................................ 39
Figure 4.4: Views of respondents on lack of social media plan ........................................ 40
Figure 4.5: Views of respondents on availability of training ............................................. 50
Figure 4.6: Views of respondents on the effects of business experience to improve socio-
economic development ...................................................................................................... 51
Figure 4.7: Views of respondents on financial resources as a tool of household’s income
............................................................................................................................................ 52
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ADB : Africa Development Bank
GDP : Gross Domestic Product
GE : Global Entrepreneurship
GEM : Global Entrepreneurship Monitor
GNP : Gross National Product
ILO: International Labor Organization
MFI Microfinance Institutions
MINICOM: Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Industry and Cooperatives
NGOs : Non Government Organizations
NISR : National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda
OECD : Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development
RCA: Rwanda Cooperative Agency
RPSF : Rwanda Private Sector Federation
SAMEN : South Africa Women Entrepreneurs’ Network
SAWE : South Africa Women Entrepreneurs
SMEs : Small and Medium Enterprises
SPSS : Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
UNDP: United Nations Development Programs
UNIDO : United National Industrial Development Organization
USA : United States of America
WB : World Bank
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WBSR : World Bank Study Report
DEFINITIONS OF KEY TERMS
Development: Development is the act or process of growth, progress and
improvement within a physical setting.
Entrepreneur: An entrepreneur may be described as a person who has the ability to
explore the environment, identify opportunities for improvement, mobilize resources and
implement actions to maximize those opportunities. He is the catalyst of change able to
carry out new combinations, instrumental in discovering new opportunities.
Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is the process of creating something new with
value by devoting the necessary time and effort, assuming the accompanying financial,
psychic, and social risks, and receiving the resulting rewards of monetary and personal
satisfaction and independence. Entrepreneurship is more than the mere creation of a
business, seeking opportunity, taking risks, and having the tenacity to push ideas into
reality are special characteristics that permeate individuals. Entrepreneurship is an
integrated concept that has revolutionized the way business is conducted.
Family socio-Economic Development: Family Socioeconomic is an economic
and sociological combined total measure of a family's work experience and of an
individual's or family's economic and social position in relation to others, based on
income, education, and occupation. When analyzing a family's social economic
development, the household income, earners' education, and occupation are examined, as
well as combined income, versus with an individual, when their own attributes are
assessed.
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Socio-economic development: Socio-economic development is the process of social
and economic development in a society. Socio-economic development is measured with
indicators such as GDP, life expectancy, literacy and level of employment.
Woman entrepreneur: Woman entrepreneur is a woman or group of women who
initiate, organize and run a business enterprise or women who innovate, imitate or adopt a
business activity. A woman entrepreneur can be defined as a confident, innovative and
creative woman capable of achieving self-economic independence individually or in
collaboration, generate employment opportunities for others through initiating,
establishing and running the enterprise by keeping pace with her personal, family and
social life.
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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0. Introduction
This chapter covers introduction to the study, background of the study, statement of the
problem, objectives of the study, research questions, limitations of the study, significance
of the study, scope of the study and organization of the study.
1.1 Background of the Study
Entrepreneur is the key factor of entrepreneurship and now women are successful in this
as they have qualities desirable for entrepreneurship development. Entrepreneurship is
considered as one of the most important factors contributing to the economic
development of the society. Entrepreneurs have been considered instrumental in initiating
and sustaining socio-economic development (Sanjay, 2013).
According to Angela (2011) the East Asia and Pacific region has been the most
economically dynamic region in the world. In most countries in the region, incomes have
grown dramatically, and with that growth, absolute poverty has declined rapidly. Most of
the region’s economies have also shifted away from agriculture and toward
manufacturing and services. Rapid growth, structural transformation and poverty
reduction have been accompanied by progress toward gender equality in several key
areas. Economic development has led to the closing of gender gaps in school enrollments
and a decline in maternal mortality rates: girls in the region as a whole now enroll in
secondary schools at a higher rate than boys, and maternal mortality has fallen by half
over the past 20 years. Access to economic opportunities has also increased, particularly
among younger, better educated women. In many ways, women in East Asian and Pacific
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countries are better positioned than ever before to participate in, contribute to, and benefit
from development (Morrison, 2006).
As is common with many other academic fields of study, there exists little consensus as to
a universally accepted definition of entrepreneurship, and the combination of the term
with family business adds to the complexity. Entrepreneurial activities have been found to
be capable of making positive impacts on the economy of a nation and the quality of life
of the people. Entrepreneurship is the differential operations of its roles in different levels
of socio-economic development. In other words, entrepreneurial activities have been
found to be functioning differently in different levels of socio-economic development
(Oluremi & Gbenga, 2011).The effective manifestation of the functions and roles of
entrepreneurship in socio-economic development have often been attributed to the
presence of certain factors in the external environment of the entrepreneur over which he
has little or no control.
According to Singh (2004) women have established their own economy i.e.,
entrepreneurial empire and are now ruling their world as they wished to. The hidden
entrepreneurial potentials of women have gradually been changing with the growing
sensitivity to the role and economic status in the society. Skill, knowledge and
adaptability in business are the main reasons for women to emerge into business ventures.
A woman entrepreneur is a person who accepts the challenging role to meet her personal
needs and become economically independent. A strong desire to do something positive is
an inbuilt quality of entrepreneurial women who are capable of contributing values in
both family and social life. Women entrepreneurs are engaged in business due to push
and pull factors. Pull factors include personal ambition, creativity, self-realization and
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desire for independence. Push factors include lack of an alternative source of income,
unemployment and unsatisfactory employment conditions. In the process of
entrepreneurship, women have to face various problems and these problems get doubled
because of their dual role as bread earners and homemakers. Obstacles faced by women
entrepreneurs include being accepted as a woman in business, lack of a role model, lack
of professional interaction, difficulties in gaining the confidence of their clients and
suppliers, lack of adequate training, and lack of related experience (Fedex, 2008).
However, the theoretical and empirical cases for understanding the role of
entrepreneurship are not yet solid. Evidence on whether entrepreneurship matters for
economic growth is not straightforward. Closer scrutiny of the relationship between
entrepreneurship and economic development is therefore needed. In order to stimulate the
development entrepreneurship discourse, it may be necessary to first attempt to formalize
or reconcile the role of entrepreneurship in the grand ideas of development economics,
and to consider how this resonates with available evidence, and what this means for
policy (Wim, 2013).
According to Abbott et al., (2011) the Rwandan government envisions to create a middle
income, knowledge-based society with a middle class of entrepreneurs as the backbone of
development processes in which women and men equally participate. Empowering
women and ensuring gender equality ultimately enriches communities and entire nations.
This is something that the Rwandans understood long before gender equality became
fashionable or the catch-phrase emerged in development discourse. Economically,
women are said to be less empowered in terms of independent employment and access to
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financial services (Vis, 2012). Reba - Unyurwe cooperative was created in 2006 with the
aim to uplift the living standards of its 95 members who were formally street vendors and
vulnerable farmers through basket weaving, knitting beds work, woven trays and other
handcraft skills. Today the cooperative has increased its number up to 200.
Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative is designed as a meeting place that bridges the gap between
urban buyers and rural women. It is a place where rural entrepreneurs can incubate
businesses so they can transition from subsistence farming to larger-scale farming and
other entrepreneurial activities. It also offers classroom space where women can learn
new business skills and where cooperative, support networks and other groups can meet
regularly. Since then, more than 250,000 Rwandan women have gained new job skills,
knowledge about health and wellness and learned how to be decision-makers in their
families and communities through training program (Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative, 2014).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
According to Sanjay (2013) entrepreneurship is the core of economic development.
Entrepreneur is a key factor of entrepreneurship; in the present times, women are an
emerging economic force. According to Asiyanbola (2012), women are the pillars of the
family, who together constitute the society. In society spheres, the number of women is
greater than the number of men all over the world even in Rwanda, hence social and
economic development of women is necessary for the development of any country. The
majority of Rwandan citizens need to change their routine activities from agriculture to
other the sectors is crucial for reducing poverty, achieving economic transformation, and
attaining Vision 2020 goals. Poverty rates for those working in agriculture are 60%,
compared to just 23% for those working off-farm (Government of Rwanda, 2013).
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Due to the different challenges faced and the high levels of poverty rate in Rwanda,
whereby the education, health care and low income in the families still need
improvement, the Government of Rwanda undertook a variety of development activities
to alleviate poverty while using various approaches and implementing a number of
strategies for this purpose. Some of the strategies include: granting loans for
reconstruction and development, giving business, encouraging industrialization and last
but not least gender balance. Despite these attempts, the level of poverty has not been
significantly reduced. Because women are the majority in the Rwandan society, there is
need to empower them with skills and finances. Moreover, efforts to uplift her have not
been that successful. Thus, this study seeks to identify women’s ability to improve socio
and economic status of their families through their own merits in the male dominated
society.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are categorized into the general objective and specific
objectives of the study.
1.3.1.General Objective
The general objective of this study is to assess the contribution of women
entrepreneurship on the socio-economic development of their families / households
1.3.2. Specific Objectives
(i) To identify challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe
cooperative;
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(ii) To assess the drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-
Unyurwe cooperative ;
(iii)To establish the relationship between entrepreneurship and family socio-
economic development.
1.4. Research Questions
(i) What are the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Rwandan cooperatives?
(ii) What are the drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-
Unyurwe cooperative?
(iii) Is there any relationship between entrepreneurship and socio-economic
development in Rwandan cooperatives?
1.5 Significance of the Study
The study was envisaged to produce a reference research model of promoting women
entrepreneurship in rural areas and to be replicated in urban areas as well.
This study enabled the researcher to deeply understand the contribution of women in
upgrading the family socio-economic development in Rwanda.
The study would be of interest to NGOs, and serve as an opportunity to better understand
how women can impact households’ living standards and therefore strive to empower
them and encourage cooperatives for mutual support.
This research was a basis for future policy formulation and decision making purposes and
to refocus on women needs for development as it is often said that “educating a man is
educating a family but educating a woman is educating the whole nation.” To the
beneficiaries who are the women entrepreneurs, the study gives them light and enables
them to valorize their job, correct mistakes and learn from their experiences.
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1.6 Limitations of the Study
The probability of limitation that this study was likely to face included the language
proficiency as the target population comprised of semi-literate kinds of respondents. It
presented itself as a challenge because there was a translation of the research instruments
and sometimes it was very hard to find appropriate wording, terminology and
vocabularies. Another limitation was withholding information, as some people are very
reluctant to be open and share information, especially about their personal and financial
status. Fortunately, the number of respondents who did not release useful information
were only 3, therefore this did not affect the research findings.
1.7 The scope of the Study
The scope of the study was classified into three categories: content scope, time scope and
geographical scope.
1.7.1 Content Scope
This study was conducted in a women handcraft cooperative to investigate their
entrepreneurship and how this impacted the socio-economic status of their families.
1.7.2 Geographical Scope
The Reba Unyurwe Handcraft Cooperative is a member of Gahaya Links Limited. Today
the company manages a network of over 4,000 weavers across the country organized in
52 saving cooperatives, among which is REBA UNYURWE COOPERATIVE under this
study. Reba Unyurwe Cooperative is located in Muhanga District.
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1.7.3 Time Scope
The study covered the period between 2010 and 2013. This helped to ensure that research
is specific to determine period of time.
1.8 Organization of the Study
The first chapter is composed of the introduction to the study, background to the study,
problem statement, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study,
limitations of the study, scope of the study and then organization of the study.
The second chapter is composed of the introduction to literature review, theoretical
literature, empirical literature, critical review and research gap identification, conceptual
framework and then summary of literature review.
The third chapter is composed of the introduction to the research methodology, research
design, target population, sample design, sample size, sampling techniques data collection
methods, data analysis procedures and then ethical consideration.
The fourth chapter is on the research findings and discussion, demographic characteristics
of respondents and then presentation of findings.
The fifth chapter includes the introduction to the chapter, recommendations, summary of
findings and conclusions whereby the answers to research questions are presented,
recommendations made and suggestions for further study.
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CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0 Introduction
This chapter introduces concepts defined by different authors on women entrepreneurs
and terms related to it. Relevant literature was drawn from various sources. The
researcher believes that any relevant literature, irrespective of the place or time would still
be imperative to form a basis of analyzing the study findings. The review gives light to
different contributions of women entrepreneurs. In this study, the key words were:
Entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and women entrepreneurs.
Critical review in this chapter is described to show the gap that needed to be exploited
and finally the theoretical/conceptual framework is presented to show the relationship
between the two variables under study.
2.1 Theoretical literature
2.1.1 Overview of entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship researchers are hampered by the lack of a common conceptual
framework for the concept entrepreneurship. The lack of consensus on the meaning of
this term makes it imperative that researchers provide a clear statement of their meaning
when they use it. According to Mirjam (2007) the terms ‘entrepreneur’ and
‘entrepreneurial firm’ are used interchangeably. Entrepreneurial firms are defined as
firms that satisfy one of the following conditions: (i) They employ fewer than 100
employees; (ii) they are younger than seven years old; (iii) they are new entrants into the
market. Entrepreneurship is a multi-faceted phenomenon, which comprehends both the
start-up of new companies (start-up entrepreneurship) as well as the carrying out of new
strategic initiatives within existing business (Thomas & Moisey, 2006).
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The concept of entrepreneurship has such a complex tradition within economic theory
that formulating a succinct definition is extremely difficult, and any attempt to do so will
inevitably exclude a valuable element of this history. Entrepreneurship has been
considered as the heart of economic development and the unit of analysis of studies on it
has basically been the individual. Entrepreneurship is the manifest ability and willingness
of individuals, on their own, in teams, within and outside existing organizations, to
perceive and create new economic opportunities (new products, new production methods,
new organizational schemes and new product market combinations) and to introduce their
ideas in the market, in the face of uncertainty and other obstacles, by making decisions on
location, form and the use of resources and institutions (Orser & Madill, 2006).
According to Kanchana (2013) an entrepreneur is one who plays a significant role in the
economic development of a country. Basically an entrepreneur can be regarded as a
person who has the initiative, skill and motivation to set up a business or an enterprise of
his own and who always looks for high achievement. He is a catalyst of social change and
works for the common good.
He looks for opportunities, identifies them and seizes them mainly for economic gains.
An entrepreneur is a person who is able to express and execute the urge, skill, motivation
and innovative ability to establish a business or industry of his own either alone or in
collaboration with his friends. His motive is to earn profit through the production or
distribution of socially beneficial goods or services (Carrington, 2006). The essence of
entrepreneurship is innovation; an innovative entrepreneur innovates new products, new
processes and new methods or ventures into new markets. Joseph Schumpeter placed
focus on the innovative role of an entrepreneur in his theory of Economic Development.
He was of the view that economic development is the outcome of dynamic changes
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brought by entrepreneurs by instituting new combination of factors of production
(Morrison, 2006).
Today, entrepreneurship is the dynamic process of creating incremental wealth. The
wealth is created by individuals who assume the major risks in terms of equity, time
and/or career commitment or provide value for some product or service.
The product or service may or may not be new or unique, but value must somehow be
infused by the entrepreneur by receiving and locating the necessary skills and resources
(Abbott, Batoni & Mugisha, 2011). According to Jeremy (2009) despite increased
interest in social entrepreneurship, scholarly research has been challenging. Because
definitions of social entrepreneurship have been developed in a number of different
domains, such as not-for-profits, for-profits, the public sector, and combinations of all
three, a unified definition has yet to emerge.
The promoter of entrepreneurship believes that everyone is an entrepreneur when he
carries out new combinations but finding new combinations of factors of production is a
process of entrepreneurial discovery that will become the engine that drives economic
development. These new combinations constitute better ways to meet existing demands or
create new products, often making current technologies and products. The firm of the
innovative entrepreneur will consequently grow through the dual process of taking market
share from existing suppliers and increasing overall demand for the products offered in
the market by extending the boundaries of economic activity (Angela, 2011).
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2.1.2 Women entrepreneurship
With the significant increase in the number of women involved in entrepreneurship in the
last 20 years, more and more scholars are exploring the reasons for women wanting to set
up their own businesses. Carrington (2006) argued that most women are motivated by
different reasons for starting a business. Most of these are related to social, cultural,
political and economic factors (Mirjam, 2007). Turner shows that the personal factor is a
strong motivational factor to starting one’s own business and he shows that this personal
factor is divided into two categories: Pull Factors: Personal ambition, creativity, self–
realization, desire for independence. Push Factors include lack of an alternative source of
income, unemployment and unsatisfactory employment conditions (Jeremy, 2009).
There are perhaps as many definitions of entrepreneurship as there are entrepreneurs. For
the purpose of this study however, we adopt the functional view of entrepreneurship as a
type of activity or practice with implications for generating jobs, fostering innovation and
increasing productivity by means of which the creation of incomes and wealth is
enhanced. Economic development of any region is an outcome of purposeful efforts by
different sections of the society. One of the major role players is an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneur is a person who organizes and operates the business and is responsible for
the result i.e. loses and gains in the business. In this dynamic world, women entrepreneurs
are an important part of economic development and social progress (Fedex, 2008).
Women entrepreneurs contribute to economic development by producing goods and
services, and that they also play an important role in the social development because they
recognize and respond to their social responsibility. They contribute funds towards social
causes such as education, health, environment and other social cultural activities. Women
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entrepreneurs also generate employment. They provide direct employment in their
business units. The indirect employment is provided in other supporting units that provide
inputs and other services to the entrepreneur or that depend on the entrepreneur for their
inputs and services. Interest in the study of entrepreneurship has flourished among
scholars in recent years (Mirjam, 2007).
Skills are essential to the development of any economy. It is through skills that products
in the form of goods and services are produced to the desires and satisfaction of
customers. With the skills, an individual will be employable and participate in the
production of goods and services. The rewards of this participation are income that will
be earned. Now, when one is skilled, the rewards in terms of whatever income will be
greater than one who is not skilled. With skills the individual is able to perform a task
confidently and is able to sell him or herself with less difficulty. With these capacities
developed, one is able to earn a livelihood regardless of whatever form it may come
(Kanchana, 2013).
Wim (2013) stated that there are different pathways to enterprise creation namely escape
from previous jobs-jobs that from their perspective, offer few rewards in terms of salary,
challenging work and promotion opportunities. Secondly are the enterprisers’ experiences
putting deals together from other firms which form the basis for the business start-up.
Thirdly, enterprisers who held positions in which they used technical skills and expertise
similar to those required in the new business may tend to start a business after discovering
that job advancement and career and salary growth were blocked. And so they start a
business as a risky effort. The fourth one is family inheritance and assistance from family.
Another factor according to the same researcher is the need to pursue and build on
14
previous work or educational training. The environment requires that these entrepreneurs
have specific professional or technical expertise.
Entrepreneurship offers tremendous opportunities for women across the world by opening
doors to greater self-sufficiency, self-esteem, education, and growth – not only for the
women themselves, but also for their families and their employees. And women are
changing the face of business ownership internationally; between one-quarter and one-
third of the world’s businesses are owned by women. As their numbers grow and as their
businesses prosper, they will change the way the world does business (Carrington, 2006).
Worldwide, many women are entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship emerges from an
individual’s creative spirit into long-term business ownership, job creation, and economic
security. Women bring commitment and integrity because they care about economic
empowerment, entrepreneurial development and innovation. Female entrepreneurs seek
the professional and personal support that is found in business associations. Economic
globalization has encouraged the expansion of female business ownership. The growing
economic power and influence of women-owned businesses are changing the shape of the
global economy.
In a study of women entrepreneurs in the western world, Cooper ( 2000) proposed that
three factors influence entrepreneurship – antecedent influences (i.e., background factors
such as family influences and genetic factors that affect motivation, skills and
knowledge), the “incubator organization” (i.e., the nature of the organization where the
entrepreneur was employed just prior to starting a business; the skills learned there) and
environmental factors (e.g., economic conditions, access to venture capital and support
services, role models) and the study indicates the challenges faced by women
15
entrepreneurship such as access to finance, access to markets, access to training, access to
networks, access to policy makers and statistical invisibility.
Female entrepreneurs have demonstrated the ability to build and maintain long-term
relationships and networks, to communicate effectively, to organize efficiently, to be
fiscally conservative, to be aware of the needs of their environment, and to promote
sensitivity to cultural differences. The global impact of women entrepreneurs is just
beginning to gain intensity. Worldwide, the number of female business owners continues
to increase steadily. Women in advanced market economies own more than 25% of all
businesses and women-owned businesses in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin
America are growing rapidly (Orser & Madill, 2006).
Increasing entrepreneurship among women and providing the needed capital to women
entrepreneurs are decisive components in Africa’s long-term struggle for prosperity. Pro-
active measures to build the assets of women and to connect women to markets are
essential if Africa is to succeed in meeting the challenges of shared growth. A
distinguishing characteristic of African economies is that gender differences lead to men
and women playing substantially different economic roles (Angela, 2011).
Although the research on African women entrepreneurs is limited, anecdotal evidence
supports the belief that the creation of SMEs and the income generated by business
operations and wages paid to employees help to alleviate poverty and empower women.
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of African women’s contributions to
economic growth and their dominance of certain sectors, particularly agriculture and
textiles, women generally remain marginalized, shut out of the formal economy, or
constrained due to lack of access to capital (Ismail, 2006).
16
2.1.3 Socio-economic development
Socio-economic development is the process of social and economic development in a
society. Socio-economic development is measured with indicators such as GDP, life
expectancy, literacy and level of employment. Changes in less tangible factors are
considered, such as personal dignity, freedom of association, personal safety and freedom
from fear of physical harm, and the extent of participation in civil society refers to
qualitative measure of progress in an economy It refers to development and adoption of
new technologies, transition from agriculture-based to industry-based economy, and
general improvement in living standards (Mirjam, 2007).
Economic development is a process through which over time sustained increase occurs in
a nation’s per capita real income(output) accompanied by significant structural changes
that allow for elevated income distribution and a large increase in an individual’s
economic well-being . And the rise in income must be evident through such changes in
basic living conditions as improved nutrition and high nutritional and clothing standards,
improved (modern) housing, improved health and health care, low infant mortality rate,
higher literacy rate, and a general environmental face-lift from a predominantly rural to
an increased metropolitan flavor (Kanchana, 2013).
The poorest of the poor are usually women because discrimination cuts off their escape
routes from poverty - education, health services, equal pay employment, access to land
and finance. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that there will only be sustainable
development in the Third World when women play an equal part in decision making
17
(Angela, 2011). No developing country can afford to ignore women's existing and
potential economic contribution, or their pivotal role in determining the health and
welfare of a nation's children. All the evidence points to one conclusion: economic
growth and improvement in the quality of life for everyone is faster in areas where
women's status is higher (Jeremy, 2009).
Augmenting rates of enterprise births in local areas and the facilitation of the
development of new women-owned firms can have positive impacts on job creations,
productivity growth, tax revenues, the availability of goods and services and the provision
of positive role models. Entrepreneurship among women is important for local
development and for economic development more broadly (World Bank, 2012).
Development in all societies must have at least the following three objectives according
to Wim (2013): to increase the availability and widen the distribution of basic life-
sustaining goods such as food, shelter, health and protection; to raise levels of living
including, in addition to higher incomes, the provision of more jobs, better education and
greater attention to cultural and human values, all of which will serve not only to enhance
material wellbeing but also to generate greater individual and national self-esteem; to
expand the range of economic and social choices available to individuals and nations by
freeing them from servitude and dependence not only in relation to other people and
nation-states, but also to the forces of ignorance and human misery.
(Carrington, 2006) argues that the role of women in development has become
increasingly an important issue in recent years and this has been due to the shift of
emphasis away from equity concern to the recognition role of the productive roles women
play and the contribution they can make to economic growth and development.
18
This research has brought to light, among other things, the important role of
entrepreneurship and innovation in economic growth. The studies know that innovative
entrepreneurs, those who bring new products and processes to the market, are
disproportionately responsible for the breakthrough or ‘disruptive’ innovations that
change our daily lives and allow for the rapid improvement in standards of living that
developed countries have experienced over the past century, and also disproportionately
responsible for job growth in industrialized economies.
2.2 Empirical literature
Singh (2004) carried out a study called women Entrepreneurship Issues, Challenges and
Empowerment through Self Help Groups: An Overview of Himachal Pradesh. In his
research, he assessed other studies already done in India and concluded that women
workforce ratio in the country is increasing due to the increase in the women literacy rate
in India. The concept of Self Help Groups (SHGs) is proved to be a boon for rural women
in some states of India. It has not only raised their income but also their social status. An
overview of the working of self Help Groups (SHGs) in Himachal Pradesh is also
depicted in this paper.
Angela (2011) carried out a study called Rural and urban women entrepreneurs: A
comparison of service needs and delivery methods priorities in Canada. His study
expanded the knowledge base of women entrepreneurs’ needs, specifically their needs in
terms of service areas and service delivery method preferences. His study also examined
the differences between urban and rural based entrepreneurs. Two service need areas
“how to find mentors and role models” and “legal issues” exhibited statistically
significant priority differences. Service delivery methods did not produce any statistically
19
significant differences. He concluded that regardless of location, women entrepreneurs’
training and support needs are not significantly that different
Wendy and Siong-Choy (2007) carried out a study called Theorizing a Framework of
Factors Influencing Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The main
objective of their study was to identify a comprehensive list of factors influencing the
performance of Malaysian women entrepreneurs. They focused on other studies carried
out by other researchers and suggested that social psychological and organizational
approaches were widely used to explore and analyze the relationship between the
influence of women’s individual characteristics, parental influence, their business
management and business strategies, goals and motives, networking and entrepreneurial
orientation towards their business performance. This resulted in the development of a
comprehensive theoretical framework which provides significant insights related to
women entrepreneurship practices and their performance levels in Malaysia
Varghese (2011) carried out a study called Women Empowerment in Oman: A study
based on Women Empowerment Index. The objectives of his study was to measure the
women empowerment in Oman by identifying the household decision making ability of
women, to assess the economic decision making capability of women and evaluate the
freedom of mobility of women. During his study, he had taken a sample of 150 women in
Sohar region, Sultanate of Oman, with a structured questionnaire. Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS) was the main tool for data analysis and he used regression model
and frequency tables. For quantitative analysis, he selected five main variables as
independent variables and total women empowerment as dependent variable. In
qualitative analysis he had framed total women empowerment index that shows that
women in Sohar were good decision makers. Another finding was that women in Oman
20
are better in household decision making and economic decision making than social
empowerment. He had also taken perception analysis via addressed different issues in
legal and political side. The result showed that majority of women in Sohar region were
aware about their rights and duties.
Duflo (2012) investigated women empowerment and economic development in the
United Kingdom (UK). The objective of his study was to establish the interrelationship
between Women Empowerment and Economic Development in the United Kingdom. He
used documentary analysis and found that the interrelationships are probably too weak to
be self-sustaining, and that continuous policy commitment to equality for its own sake
may be needed to bring about equality between men and women.
Adebowale (2012)carried out a Study of Women Attitudes Toward their Socioeconomic
and Political Empowerment: Nigeria Women and National Development. The objective
of the study was to ascertain if women have favourable attitudes towards their
empowerment in the areas of socio-economic and political issues, to find out if the
concept of women empowerment is gaining currency among women themselves and to
know whether the women are ready for their socio-economic and political empowerment.
The methodology used was descriptive because it revealed current attitudes of the women
towards their empowerment in the stated areas. The research revealed that 72 (36.0%)
respondents contribute 75%-100% of their earnings to family expenses, followed by 64
(32.0%) respondents who contribute 25% - 50% of their earnings, while 16 (8.0%)
contribute nothing to family expenses.
21
Aregawi and Haileslasie (2013) analyzed the Role of Cooperatives in Promoting Socio-
Economic Empowerment of Women: Evidence from Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
in South-Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to analyze and
assess the role of cooperatives in promoting socio-economic empowerment of women.
Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. The data collection instruments
were interviews, questionnaires and focus group discussions and secondary data were
collected from internal documents of the cooperatives. Out of 75 Multipurpose
Cooperative Societies (MPCs), the sampling technique used was purposive sampling
method. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated
that women participation in cooperatives is very limited. More than 80% of the
respondents are involved in farm activity and only 5% are engaged in paid work. 90% of
the respondents have joined their cooperatives to access financial sources and improve
their bargaining power. They also revealed that women members have improved their
income, livestock holdings, autonomous decision making and spending power after
joining their cooperatives, but, its regularity is limited.
2.3. Critical review and Research Gap Identification
Singh (2004) carried out a study called women Entrepreneurship Issues, Challenges and
Empowerment through Self Help Groups: An Overview of Himachal Pradesh. In his
research, he assessed other studies already done in India and concluded that women
workforce ratio in the country is increasing due to the increase in the women literacy rate in
India. His study particularly focuses on various issues pertaining to women entrepreneurship,
challenges and future perspective in India. His study was very important, but he did not focus
on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and analyzed them using both primary and
secondary data.
22
Wendy and Siong-Choy (2007) carried out a study called Theorizing a Framework of
Factors Influencing Performance of Women Entrepreneurs in Malaysia. The main
objective of their study was to identify a comprehensive list of factors influencing the
performance of Malaysian women entrepreneurs. In their research, Wendy and Siong-
Choy did not focus on the the contribution of women to socio-economic development.
Angela (2011) carried out a study called Rural and urban women entrepreneurs: A
comparison of service needs and delivery methods priorities in Canada. His study
expanded the knowledge base of women entrepreneurs’ needs, specifically their needs in
terms of service areas and service delivery method preferences. His study focused on
documentary review and did not focus on challenges that women entrepreneurs face in
their routine business activities especially in developing countries.
Even if the above researchers carried out their studies related to women entrepreneurship
and family socio-economic development, they did not establish the relationship between
variables under study using correlation coefficient. Hence, the researcher intends to
bridge this gap using this research entitled women entrepreneurs and socio-economic
development, with the case study of a handcraft cooperative in Muhanga District.
2.4 Theoretical Framework
This study was guided by economic theory, whereby Naudé (2013) postulated that
economic theory is based on certain assumptions which are broadly classified into four
categories. Psychological or Behavioural Assumptions, are assumptions about the
individual human behaviour. Institutional Assumptions in economic theory relate to
social, political and economic institutions. All economic theories have been developed on
the assumption of a capitalist economy in which the means of production and distribution
23
are privately owned and used for personal gain. Structural assumptions relate to the
nature, physical structure or topography of the economy and the state of technology.
In order to consider the impact of one factor at a time, the other factors are held constant.
In the real world, there may be a number of factors operating simultaneously. If all of
them are included in the analysis, it would become complex. Closer scrutiny of the
relationship between entrepreneurship and economic development is needed. In order to
stimulate the development-entrepreneurship discourse it may be necessary to first attempt
to formalize or reconcile the role of entrepreneurship in the “grand ideas” of development
economics, and to consider how this resonates with available evidence, and what this
means for policy. There are at least three “grand” ideas in development economics. The
first is that development requires a structural transformation of what, how and where
production and consumption takes place: from low-value added, low productivity and
rural-based activities to more productive, higher value added activities in services and
manufacturing located in cities. The second idea is that development is a multi-
dimensional concept that requires more than just the eradication of income poverty. The
third is the idea that market failures are prevalent and that the state has an important
coordinating and regulatory role to play in development. All of these grand ideas are
currently at the forefront of thought in development, and much of what development
scholars are occupying themselves with either directly or indirectly (Naudé, 2013).
According to Kanchana (2013), as well as the “Schumpeterian”, an entrepreneur is above
else an innovator. Scholars who share this view of entrepreneurship do not consider
entrepreneurship to be very important in earlier stages of economic development – they
see the contribution of entrepreneurship to be much more important at later stages of
development, where economic growth is driven by knowledge and competition. At earlier
24
stages of development, entrepreneurship may play a less pronounced role because growth
is largely driven by factor accumulation. Patriarchy is a social system in which: males
hold primary power; males predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority,
social privilege and control of property; and, in the domain of the family, fathers or
father-figures hold authority over women and children. Many patriarchal societies are
also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the male lineage. The
female equivalent is matriarchy.
2.4 Conceptual Framework
Conceptual frameworks are structured from a set of broad ideas and theories that help a
researcher to properly identify the problem they are looking at, frame their questions and
find suitable literature. Most academic researches use a conceptual framework at the
outset because it helps the researcher to clarify his research question and objectives.
These are represented under figure 2.l.
25
Figure 2.1: Women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
Source: Researcher
Figure 2.1 indicates relationship between variables under study; women entrepreneurship
is determined by managerial skills, access to market, access to credit, lack of training,
while socio – economic development is determined by health status, living standards, net
worth and purchasing power. They are other intervening variables such as, Culture, ethics and
government policies.
The independent variables demonstrate women entrepreneurship that impact on the social
economic development of the households, either positively or negatively.
Managerial skills refer to getting things done through people. There are also others like
financial resources, infrastructural resources, inventory resources, and others whose
optimum use is essential for effective business management
Women entrepreneurs
Managerial skills
Access to Market
Access to credit
Lack of training
Socio-economic development
Health status
Living standards
Net worth
Purchasing power
Intervening variable
Culture
Ethics
Government policies
26
Access to market refers to the strong links to market for rural women producers. It is
measured by how strong the handcraft products for women can be marketed.
Access to credit refers to the ability to access affordable credits to boost growth of
entrepreneurship growth and training especially in the area of specialization has a positive
or negative impact on return on investment, on purchasing power and net worth.
The dependent variables of the study is social economic development of households
which are expressed in terms of health status, living standards, net worth and purchasing
power. These were measured by the number of women entrepreneurs who have attained
medical services, bought other utensils and improved living standards due to having
business in place. The independent variables have a non negligible impact on the
dependent variables
The intervening variables are all factors that are in the intermediate between women
entrepreneurs and socioeconomic development. These factors are cultural and social
barriers which affect women position in society and business environment. These can be
internal or external factors. These are measured by the number of women who
acknowledge these external forces within the grounds of women entrepreneurship.
2.6 Summary
The role of women entrepreneurs as an engine to economic growth has garnered
considerable public attention. Despite the uncertainties and risks in business, many are
born and operate with just minimal gains to maintain business with no growth. However,
despite their commitment, women entrepreneurs’ business performance is still low.
Therefore, this implies that the performance of enterprises cannot be considered in
terms of profitability and productivity alone but must also take into account the fact
27
that entrepreneurs’ access to entrepreneurship will play a vital role in their
performance. This study aimed to fill the gap in knowledge, with a particular focus on
the attributes of rural Rwandan women entrepreneurs and socio-economic development.
28
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
In this chapter, the following sub-topics are discussed: Research design, target population,
sample technique, sample size, research instruments, data collection, data analysis,
validity and reliability, administration of research instrument and ethical consideration.
3.1 Research design
According to the Nipissing University ( 2009), research is any original and systematic
investigation undertaken in order to increase knowledge and understanding, and to
establish facts. This study was mainly qualitative and quantitative; qualitative research
refers to any inquiry that explorers social or human problems and the understanding of
how things occur. A qualitative approach enabled the researcher to reveal the complexity
of the livelihoods of women working in the craft making cooperatives. This research used
both case study and descriptive study. The research is also quantitative because some
statistics were collected and analyzed to measure the achievements of women members of
craft making women in different fields.
3.2 Target Population
Determining the population is fundamental to identify the respondents for the study and
knowing to whom the results may be generalized. This study involved 200 women
members of craft making cooperative from Reba Unyurwe.
29
3. 3 Sample Design
3.3.1 Sample Size
From a target population of 200 women who work in the handcraft cooperative, a sample
size of people were obtained; each group was considered as strata, and a sample size was
taken from each stratum using proportion techniques. Using Taro Yamane formula
(1967),
n = N / 1+ N*e2 ; n: Sample size, N: Population size = 200, e: Error of precision : 0.1
n = 200 / 1+ 200*(0.1)2 = 66.66
n= 67 people
Hence, the sample size is 67 people
Table 3.1: sample size
Category Target population Percentage Sample size
Management 36 17.91 12
Other employees 164 82.09 55
Total 200 100 67
Source: Reba Unyurwe, 2014 and Researcher
This study used both stratified and simple random sampling method, where all
respondents from each group have equal chance to be selected. They were classified into
two groups as it is indicated in the table 3.1.
3.3.2 Sampling techniques
The choice of sampling technique is based on the feasibility and sensibility of collecting
data to answer the research questions and to address the objectives. This research used
stratified sampling method and simple random sampling method. The first strata
30
composed by management and second strata composed by other employees as they are
indicated in the table 3.1. After, making groups the researcher used systematic random
sampling method, whereby they had equal chances to be selected.
3.4 Data collection mmethods
3.4.1 Data collections’ instruments
Data was collected through two primary data collection methods: Semi-structured
questionnaire and interview guide. Primary qualitative data was collected by the use of
the interview guide while primary quantitative data was gathered by the use of semi-
structured questionnaires administered to the women members of Agaseke Handcraft
Cooperative in Muhanga District, Southern Province. During the administration of the
questionnaire, the respondents were supposed to record their responses in the
questionnaire, and unstructured interviews were administered to both women members of
cooperative as well as the cooperative management team.
A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect information from the
respondents. It contained both closed-ended and open-ended questions.
3.4.2 Administration of data collection instruments
The researcher distributed the questionnaires to the respondents and waited for them for
two days. The researcher made sure the number of questionnaires distributed were to be
filled by all respondents. The main techniques of primary data collection were interviews
and questionnaires.
31
3.4.3 Reliability and validity
To ensure the validity of the instrument, research advisors checked the questionnaires for
the consistency of the items, intelligibility and clarity, for adjustment and realignment
purposes. As for reliability, the concept refers to the degree to which the same results
would be obtained in repeated attempt of the same tests. To ensure the reliability of the
instruments, the study was conducted into two phases: In the first place, the researcher
used a pre-test to see whether the questions were well formulated, by delivering ten
questionnaires to ten members of Reba Unyurwe Cooperative. In the second phase, after
making necessary corrections, the instruments were re-administered, this time to the main
respondents.
3.5 Data analysis procedures
After gathering data, the researcher went through the electronic and paper copies of the
instruments responses and coded all names to maintain confidentiality as stated in the
consent form. The responses to the open-ended questions were tabulated based on the
frequency of responses and to analyze data, the researcher used the questionnaire where
different reactions of women entrepreneurs were occupied in handcraft cooperatives
sector. They were recorded and analyzed using different statistical indicators like
percentages and frequencies.
3.6 Ethical considerations
With regard to this study, the aims and objectives were conveyed to all the relevant
authorities during the process of acquiring permission to do research, and to the members
of the handcraft cooperative involved during the data collection stage. Respondent’s
32
participation was voluntary and they had the right to withdraw from the study at any time
if they would wish so.
The following ethical issues, though not exhaustive, have been identified by various
authors as important to be considered during any research: Informed consent, avoidance
of harm, violation of privacy, anonymity and confidentiality, deceiving respondents or
concealing of information, respect for human dignity that include the right for full
disclosure, debriefing respondents and presentation and interpretation of data, of which
the researcher took care of.
33
CHAPTER FOUR: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION
4.0 Introduction
In this chapter the researcher presents the findings which were collected from the field by
using the questionnaires. The questionnaires and interview were administered to the
respondents whereby they were required to answer and give out their information based
on their understanding on the topic of women entrepreneurs and socio-economic
development. In this chapter presented in tables, the researcher distributed 67
questionnaires but 3 questionnaires were not returned. This implies that the researcher
analyzed 64 questionnaires in this research.
4.1.Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
The researcher presents the respondents’ demographic characteristics in terms of
Cooperative registration, way of registration, education and experience. This was done in
order to form a basis of making conclusions on the views that respondents gave on
women entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
Table 4.2: Cooperative registration
This study focuses on cooperative registration, as it was indicated by the respondents.
Frequency Percent
Yes 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.2 shows that all 64 respondents (100 %) confirmed that their cooperative is
registered under cooperatives’ law. The data collected from the respondents during the
research study were appropriate since all respondents operate under the cooperative
which is known by the cooperative’ law.
34
Table 4.3: Way of registration
In relation to Table 4.3, this study indicated the way of registration, where respondents
confirmed that Reba –Unyurwe is registered as cooperative.
Frequency Percent
Cooperative 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.3 indicates that all respondents confirmed that they are registered as an
independent cooperative. This implies that all cooperative members are identified through
the sunshade of cooperative.
Table 4.4: Accessibility to bank account
Table 4.4 presents the views of respondents on accessibility to bank account as follows,
Frequency Percent
Yes 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.4 indicates that, out of 64 respondents, 100% of respondents confirmed that they
own and have access to bank accounts. This shows that a registered cooperative with its
own account number helps in its full identification, and that accessibility and financial
management is certain.
35
Table 4.5: Experience in the business
In relation to Table 4.5, the study focused on the experience that Reba Unyurwe
Cooperative’s members have.
Frequency Percent
1-2 years 8 12.5
3-4 years 40 62.5
5-6 years 16 25.0
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.5 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 12.5% had a business experience of 1-2
years, 62.5% had experience of 3-4 years, and 25.0% of them had experience of 5-6
years. This implies that the more the cooperative remains in business the more it increases
adherents, and it becomes easier to determine performance. Therefore, as long as the
respondents have enough experience in their business, that helped the researcher to get
accurate information concerning research objectives.
4.2 Presentation of Findings
The purpose of this section is to present information obtained from the questionnaire and
interview as guided by the objectives of the study.
4.2.1 Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative
This subsection focuses on the Challenges faced by women entrepreneurship in Reba-
Unyurwe Cooperative, such as lack of market, lack of support from other female business
36
leaders, Afraid of failure, Lack of training, combination of family obligations and
business and lack of strategic plan.
Table 4.6: Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative
Challenges / Perception Strongly agree Agree Disagree
lack of market 34.4 60.9 4.7
Lack of support from other female business leaders 40.6 59.4
Afraid of failure 53.1 29.7 17.2
Lack of training 56.2 15.6 28.1
combination of family obligations and business 54.7 56.2 43.8
lack of strategic plan 54.7 45.3
lack of an undefined niche 56.2 43.8
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.6 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 22 (i.e 34.4%) strongly agreed that lack of
market is among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe
cooperative,39 (i.e 60.9%) also agreed with the above statement and only 3 (i.e 4.7%)
have not seen lack of market as a challenge. Hence, lack of access to the market affects
the socio-economic development of Reba-Unyurwe to a large extent.
Further more, 26 (i.e 40.6%) respondents strongly agreed that the lack of the support of
other female business leaders is among the challenges faced by Reba-Unyurwe members
and 38( i.e 59.4%%) agreed that the lack of the support of other female business leaders is
among the challenges faced by Reba-Unyurwe members. Hence, Reba Unyurwe
cooperative members recognize lack of support from other women as a challenge and this
is an indicator that these hindrances negatively affect their level of socio-economic
development.
37
It also indicates that 53.1% of respondents strongly confirmed that being afraid of failure
or loss is among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs; 29.7% also supported the
idea that being afraid of failure is a challenge among others that women entrepreneurs
face while 17.2% disagreed with the statement. Hence, the findings indicated that women
entrepreneurs are afraid of failure or getting losses in their business endeavors, this
discourages women to participate in different types of business.
Concerning family obligations and business, Table 4.6 indicates that 56.2% of
respondents strongly agreed that combination of family obligations and business is among
the challenges faced by their cooperative as women entrepreneurs, 15.6% agreed with the
statement and 28.1% disagreed with the statement. Since, the majority of respondents
confirmed that combination of family obligations and business is among the challenges
faced by Reba-Unyurwe cooperative; therefore, this implies that family obligations affect
the level of performance of women entrepreneurs in their routine activities.
Table 4.6 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 54.7% of respondents strongly disagreed
that lack of a strategic plan is one of the challenges faced by their cooperative as women
entrepreneurs; 45.3% also disagreed . Hence, the findings indicated that lack of a strategic
plan is not among the challenges faced by Reba-Unyurwe cooperative. Therefore, Reba
Unyurwe performance is based on the prepared strategic plan, so that they can solve all
issues concerning them as women entrepreneurs.
Table 4.6 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 56.2% strongly agreed that lack of
undefined niche is among the challenges that women entrepreneurs face and 43.8%
agreed that lack of an undefined niche is a challenge among others. Hence, this research
confirmed that lack of an undefined niche is one of the challenges faced by Reba-
38
Unyurwe cooperative. This implies that there is a need of training concerning marketing
in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative.
Figure 4.2 presents perception of respondents on level of taxes according to the views of
respondents
Figure 4.2: Perception of respondents on level of taxes
Source: Primary Data
Figure 4.2 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 51.56% of respondents greatly confirmed
that tax is among the challenges faced by its cooperative as women entrepreneurs,
34.38% agreed with the confirmation that tax is among the challenges faced by its
cooperative as women entrepreneurs and 14.06% disagreed with the statement. Hence, the
majority of respondents confirmed that tax is among the challenges faced by Women
entrepreneurs in Rwanda.
39
Figure 4.3 presents Views of respondents on lack of training as among of the challenges
that affect women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative.
Figure 4.3: Views of respondents on lack of training
Source: Primary Data
Figure 4.3 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 51.56% of respondents strongly agreed
that lack of training is among the challenges faced by their cooperative as women
entrepreneurs, 28.1% also confirmed the above while 20.31% disagreed with the
statement. Hence, the study indicated that lack of training is among the challenges faced
by Reba-Unyurwe cooperative members, and therefore a hindrance for their economic
development.
40
Figure 4.4 presents Views of respondents on lack of social media plan as among of the
challenges that affect women entrepreneurs in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative.
Figure 4.4: Views of respondents on lack of social media plan
Source: Primary Data
Figure 4.4 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 56.25% of respondents strongly agreed
that the lack of a social media plan is among the challenges faced by their cooperative as
women entrepreneurs and 43.75% agreed that a lack of a social media plan is among the
challenges faced by its cooperatives as women entrepreneurs. Hence, this research found
that lack of a social media plan is among the challenges faced by Reba-Unyurwe
cooperative, which has to be enhanced at the community level.
41
4.2.2 The Drivers That Influence Women Socio-Economic Development in Reba-
Unyurwe cooperative
Table 4.7 presents views of respondents on Government policies as among the drivers
that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-Unyurwe cooperative.
Table 4.7: Government policies
Frequency Percent
Equal shareholder 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Findings in Table 4.7 indicate that all respondents agreed that government policies
facilitate women socio-economic development. This implies that the Government of
Rwanda promotes gender balance and it has got policies and regulations that facilitate
women to participate in socio economic development.
Table 4.8 presents Views of respondents on ownership of the business as among the
drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-Unyurwe
cooperative.
Table 4.8: Ownership of the business
Frequency Percent
Equal shareholder 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.8 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 100 per cent agreed that they have equal
shares in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative. This implies that every member of cooperative has
the right to bring on board a new idea according to the business needs. Hence, this means
42
that the ownership of business in Reba-Unyurwe influences the level of its performance
and members on socio-economic development.
Table 4.9 presents opinions of respondents on source of money in startup of the business
as among the drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-
Unyurwe cooperative.
Table 4.9: Source of money in Reba Unyurwe cooperative
This table introduces the source of money in starting business in Reba Unyurwe
Cooperative
Frequency Percent
Borrowed/got loan from
financial institution 50 78.1
Borrowed from a
friend/relative 14 21.9
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data,
Table 4.9 shows that out of 64 respondents, 78.1% confirmed that they got loans from
financial institution and 21.9% confirmed that they got loans from friends. Based on the
findings, even if the initial capital of Reba-Unyurwe came from the members of the
cooperative, women had to seek credits from financial institutions and their friends to
help them grow stronger in business. Hence in entrepreneurship, women members of
Reba Unyurwe Cooperative expanded their business through external financial support to
keep their business on track and to uplift .their socioeconomic development.
43
Table 4.10 presents views of respondents on influencing factors to undergo and keep
business on track as among the drivers that influence women socio-economic
development in Reba-Unyurwe cooperative in the following manner
Table 4.10: Influencing factors in business
Frequency Percent
Managerial skills 50 78.1
Access to credit 14 21.9
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.10 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 78.1% chose managerial skills as the
main attribute that influence business and 21.9% chose access to credit. Hence,
managerial skills are the main factors that facilitate business performance in Reba
Unyurwe cooperative. Therefore there is need to boost the business economy by keeping
managerial skills upgraded for better results.
Table 4.11 presents views of respondents on special treatment as a woman entrepreneur
as among the drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba-
Unyurwe cooperative.
44
Table 4.11: Women entrepreneurs ‘special treatment
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 54 84.4
Agree 10 15.6
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.11 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 84.4% strongly agreed that they were
accorded special treatment of being women entrepreneur and 15.6% agreed with the
statement. Hence, in Rwanda, women have accessibility and right to do business, since
they get special treatment and are also respected as the bread earners, whereas they also
hold on to some other factors that should motivate them, like those Microfinance
institutions (MFis) for women (Duterimbere).
Table 4.12 presents views of respondents on respect within the society, easy access to
loan, and improvement in living standards.
Table 4.12: Views of respondents on respect within the society, easy access to loan,
improvement in living standards
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 50 78.1
Strongly disagree 14 21.9
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.12 demonstrates that out of 64 respondents, 78.1% strongly agreed that respect
within the society, easy access to loan, improvement in living standards motivate women
45
entrepreneurs and 21.9% agreed that respect within the society, easy access to loan and
improvement in living standards motivate women entrepreneurs. Hence, this research
found that respect within the society, easy access to loan and improvement in living
standards of families motivate women entrepreneurs. Respondents felt that their status
improved in the neighborhood as well as in the family due to their financial position
having become better after they started their business. In fact their better economic
position ensured more stability to their business enterprises, and therefore more respect.
Table 4.13 presents views of respondents on policies concerning women entrepreneurship
in Rwanda
Table 4.13: Policies concerning women entrepreneurship in Rwanda
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 58 90.6
Disagree 6 9.4
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.13 shows that out of 64 respondents, 90.6% strongly agreed that policies
concerning women entrepreneurship in Rwanda influence the performance in business
and uplift the socio-economic development of Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative; while 9.4%
disagreed with the statement. This shows that nearly all respondents agreed that policies
concerning women entrepreneurs in Rwanda are not hard. Therefore, this implies that the
Government of Rwanda has policies which influence and facilitate women entrepreneurs’
in Rwanda and they are accessible.
46
Table 4.13 presents views of respondents on the sufficiency of a handcraft market in
Rwanda
Table 4.14: The sufficiency of a handcraft market in Rwanda
Frequency Percent
Strongly disagree 54 84.4
Agree 10 15.6
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.14 illustrates that out of 64 respondents, 84.4% sharply disagreed that the
handcraft market in Rwanda is sufficient and 15.6% agreed that the market is sufficient.
Hence, the majority of respondents confirmed that a handcraft market in Rwanda is not
sufficient. Hence, there is a need for mobilization concerning marketing of product in
Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative.
Views of respondents on being a member of other associations as an element that affects
entrepreneurship are presented in Table 4.15
Table 4.15: Linkage to other associations and women entrepreneurship
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 50 78.1
Agree 14 21.9
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
47
The table 4.15 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 78.1% agreed strongly that being a
member of any association affects entrepreneurship and 21.9% also agreed with the
statement. The conclusion here is that being a member of any other association affects
entrepreneurship, because it affects managerial skills and experience of entrepreneurs.
In relation to the views of respondents on services obtained from the Government of
Rwanda, this study used Table 4.16 as follows;
Table 4.16: Services obtained from the Government of Rwanda
Frequency Percent Valid Percent
Cumulative
Percent
Trainings and
consultation 5 7.8 7.8 50.0
Assistance in
marketing Product 27 42.2 42.2 92.2
Access to
information 32 50 50 100.0
Total 64 100.0 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.16 shows that out of 64 respondents, 50% of respondents confirmed that access to
information is among the services obtained from the Government of Rwanda, 42.2% said
that assistance in marketing a product is also among the services obtained from the
Government of Rwanda while 7.8% chose training and consultation as some of the
services obtained from Government. The conclusion here, basing on the facts above is
that the Government of Rwanda should focus on the training and consultation for these
small cooperatives that are developing, especially those for women, so that the socio-
economic development should be improved in their household.
48
In relation to views of respondents on improvement of socio-economic development, this
study used Table 4.17 as follows;
Table 4.17: Women entrepreneurship’s socio-economic development
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 50 78.1
Agree 14 21.9
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.17 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 78.1% strongly approved that their socio-
economic welfare has improved through entrepreneurship, 21.9 % agreed that their socio-
economic life improved through entrepreneurship. Hence, majority of respondents
confirmed that their socio-economic status improved through entrepreneurship. Some of
the indicators include affording tuition fees for their children, paying communal medical
insurance premiums for the family and construction and/ or renovation of residential
houses which changed their quality of life positively. This implies that women
entrepreneurs within Reba Unyurwe cooperative have experienced the socioeconomic
development as a result of having business, as they learn how to turn their creativities into
profits and advance their family’s social status.
49
In relation to Views of respondents on educated women and poor household’s income ,
this study used Table 4.18 as follows;
Table 4.18: Women entrepreneurs’ education and increase of poor household’s
income
Frequency Percent
Strongly agree 54 84.4
Agree 7 10.9
Disagree 3 4.7
Total 64 100.0
Source: Primary Data
Table 4.18 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 84.4% were in total agreement that
education facilitates women entrepreneurs to improve poor household’s income, in Reba-
Unyurwe Cooperative, 10.9% agreed with the statement and 4.7% disagreed. The
majority of respondents confirmed that education facilitates women entrepreneurs to
improve their household’s income. This implies that education coupled with business
boosts business growth.
Concerning the views of respondents on availability of training in Reba Unyurwe
cooperative, this study used Figure 4.5
50
Figure 4.5: Views of respondents on availability of training
Source: Primary Data
Figure 4.5 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 92.2% stridently disagreed with the
availability of training in Reba-Unyurwe Cooperative and 7.8% agreed that they benefited
from training concerning their business. Hence, the Government of Rwanda has a task to
grant and increase the availability of training opportunities for women entrepreneurs in
their routine business.
51
Views of respondents on the effects of business experience to improve socio-economic
development in Reba-Unyurwe cooperative are presented in Figure 4.6
Figure 4.6: Views of respondents on the effects of business experience to improve
socio-economic development
Source: Primary Data
Figure 4.6 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 65.6% agreed that business experience
affect improvement in socio-economic of women entrepreneurs, 26.6% agreed that
business experience influences improvement of socio-economic development while 7.8%
disagreed with the statement. Hence, majority of respondents confirmed that business
experience had improved the socio-economic status of women entrepreneurs. By
implication, years in business matter a lot for the remarkable improvement of socio-
economic development.
52
Views of respondents on financial resources as a tool of household’s income are
presented in Figure 4.7
Figure 4.7: Views of respondents on financial resources as a tool of household’s
income
Source: Researcher
Figure 4.7 indicates that out of 64 respondents, 89.1% strongly agreed that financial
resources are a tool for household’s incomes, 3.1% agreed with the statement and 7.8%
disagreed. Hence, the majority of respondents confirmed that financial resource is a tool
for a household’s income. This implies that women who have embarked on business to
get financial resources have tremendously improved their households’ incomes.
53
4.2.3 Relationship Between Women Entrepreneurship And Family Socio-Economic
Development
Using Pearson correlation coefficient, this study established the relationship between
women entrepreneurship and family socio-economic development as it is shown in Table
4.19
Table 4.19: Relationship between Women entrepreneurs and socio-economic
development
Women
entrepreneurs
Socio-economic
development
Women entrepreneurs Pearson Correlation 1 .783**
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 64 64
Socio-economic
development
Pearson Correlation . 783** 1
Sig. (2-tailed) .000
N 64 64
**. Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed).
Source: Primary Data
Using Pearson correlation coefficient, the Table 4.19 indicates that women entrepreneurs
(Reba – Unyurwe women Cooperative) impact the socio-economic development at the
rate of 78.3%.
54
Legend:
[-1.00 - 0.00[ : Negative correlation;
[0.00 - 0.25 [ : Positive and very low correlation;
[0.25 - 0.50 [ : Positive and low correlation;
[0.50 - 0.75 [ : Positive and high correlation and
[0.75 - 1.00] : Positive and very high correlation
Table 4.19 shows that the correlation between women entrepreneurs (Reba – Unyurwe
women cooperative) affects Socio-economic development using primary data. The
researcher used Pearson Correlation Coefficient and established that the coefficient r
equals to 0.783. The variation of Pearson Coefficient Correlation is between -1 and 1.
Pearson Coefficient correlation has significance when it is equal or greater than 0.01
according to the result got from table 4.26 using SPSS program. According to the
research, the correlation of 0.783 (78.3%) is located in the interval [0.75 – 1.0[categorized
as positive and very high correlation. As the significant level is at 0.01 (1%), the p-value
of 0.000 (i.e. 0.0%) is less than 1%. This leads to confirm that there is significant
relationship between women entrepreneurs (Reba – Unyurwe Agaseke Cooperative) and
Socio-economic development.
In relation to the findings of this study, as per the first objective, the researcher discussed
that problems faced by women in socio-economic development in the present system are
based on structure of society, social factors such as illiteracy, economic dependence on
male partners within family and cultural and social norms. The society considers women
of less owners and its thought that they are socially immature, they have less control over
their empowerment and hence have less moral control and physical restraint on socio-
economic development. Therefore, the level of socio – economic development depends
55
on the availability of financial resources. This study examined women's participation in
socio-economic development relative to their husbands and other family members. The
second objective confirmed that Government Rwanda promotes gender balance policies
and regulations that facilitate women to participate in socio economic development.
Women learn how to turn their creativities into profits, advance their family’s social
status. Reba - Unyurwe cooperative members’ homes attained various types of basic
requirements for a comfortable life such as sofa sets, television, telephones, and therefore
earned more respect and better command over their family matters. Therefore, these
confirm the positive relationship between women entrepreneurs and socio-economic
development in Rwanda.
There is a dire need today to sensitize and to empower the female members of the family
to make them understand their rights and responsibilities. It has to be convinced that if
women become empowered and built their confidence, they can play the role of the socio-
economic for society and the whole country in the socio economic development.
56
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 Introduction
This chapter focuses on summary, conclusions, and recommendations. It gives summary
of findings according to three research objectives, conclusions where the researcher
answers the research questions, recommendations and ends with suggestions for further
study.
5.1 Summary of the Major Findings
This study was carried out on women entrepreneurs and the family’s socio-economic
development in Rwanda. This summary relies on challenges faced by women
entrepreneurs and how they are addressed; the motivation of women to join the
cooperatives for enterprise running, and the relationship between entrepreneurship and
the family’s socio-economic development.
5.1.1 Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs
Basing on the findings and in accordance to the objective one of this study which deals
with the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and how they are addressed, the
respondents of this study have revealed some challenges that affect them negatively. The
findings from table 4.6 indicate that 34.4% of respondents strongly claimed to have
suffered from insufficient markets for their products, 60.9% also confirmed this challenge
in Reba - Unyurwe Agaseke Cooperative. Apart from market issue, 40.6% respondents
strongly assert that the lack of the support of other female business leaders is a challenge
faced by Reba - Unyurwe members, of which 59.4% also agreed. Moreover 51.56% of
57
respondents consider tax among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in their
cooperative. In the same line of issue, while 34.38 % of respondents agreed, 53.1%
confirmed that being afraid of failure is among the challenges faced by their cooperative
as women entrepreneurs. 51% of respondents, members of Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative
stated the lack of training as their big challenges. Women indicate that they need training
in communication skills, management skills and specific training regarding their
particular businesses.
A combination of family obligations and business has also been singled out among the
challenges faced by their cooperative as women entrepreneurs. Therefore, obligatory
women’s participation in development programs positively impacted on women’s
involvement in income generation but did not change their position in the households nor
the attitudes towards the general role of women in society at large. Deeply rooted gender
discrimination is left intact. When women entrepreneurs in Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative
have to talk business with primarily male executives, it can be intimidating. To
compensate and protect themselves, women often feel as though they need to adopt a
stereotypically "male" attitude toward business: competitive, aggressive and sometimes
overly harsh. The challenges quoted above hinder the performance of women
entrepreneurs of Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative who responded at the questionnaire.
5.1.2 The drivers that Influence Women Socio-Economic Development In Reba -
Unyurwe Cooperative
In relation to the drivers that influence women socio-economic development in Reba -
Unyurwe cooperative, this study found that, all respondents confirmed that they have
equal shares in Reba - Unyurwe cooperative. This research also established that 78.1% of
respondents said that managerial skills, and access to credit are among of the factors that
58
has motivated the spirit of entrepreneurship among women; 84.4% of respondents
strongly agreed that they have received special treatment for being women entrepreneur;
78.1% believed that they have earned respect within the society, easy access to loan,
improvement in living standards of their families motivate women entrepreneurs whereas
21.9% also agreed with that statement. Although 84.4% of respondents viewed that
handcraft market in Rwanda is not sufficient, respondents who are in the range of 78.1%
reasoned that their socio-economic status has improved through entrepreneurship.
Women are natural networkers. Women in Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative point at the
behavioral norms at the society level, by asserting that norms of appropriate female
behavior in social networking can bring success. Effective policies that facilitate women
entrepreneurship have also been ideal to enhance the socioeconomic development. There
is evidence that when women are given support (both financial and emotional) is an
important determinant of entrepreneurial behavior: It shapes the confidence of women
entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions, enhancing the chances for the growth of their
businesses.
5.1.3 Relationship Between Entrepreneurship And Family Socio-Economic
Development
This research found that there is a positive relationship between women entrepreneurs and
socio-economic development. The researcher used Pearson Correlation Coefficient and
found that the coefficient r equals to 0.783. This leads to confirm that there is a significant
relationship between women entrepreneurs and socio-economic development.
59
5.2 Conclusion
Based on the findings, the study revealed that women entrepreneurs in Reba - Unyurwe
Handcraft Cooperative have improved their families’ social economic development.
In this research study, all research questions that guided the whole research were fully
answered.
According to the first research question, lack of access to market affects the socio-
economic development of Reba - Unyurwe to a large extent. Reba - Unyurwe lacks
experience from other women cooperatives, which in turn among other factors should
negatively impact their level of socio-economic development.
The majority of respondents confirmed that tax is among the challenges faced by women
entrepreneurs in Rwanda. The majority of respondents also confirmed that women
entrepreneurs are afraid of failure. Many of the respondents established that lack of
training opportunities was also among the challenges faced by Reba - Unyurwe
Cooperative members, while majority of the respondents confirmed that having to embark
on their entrepreneurial activities and having to do their ordinary household chores as
women was other big challenges faced by Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative members. All
respondents confirmed that lack of an undefined niche together with insufficiency of
market is among the challenges faced by Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative. This implies that
there is a need for training concerning marketing in Reba - Unyurwe Cooperative.
According to the second research question, the drivers that influence women socio-
economic development in Reba - Unyurwe cooperative, even if the initial capital of Reba
- Unyurwe came from the members of the cooperative, in setting up their business, those
members got money from different credit lines to advance their families ‘social status.
60
Consequently, educational fees for children, mutual health insurance for family,
construction and/ or renovation of houses were changed and the quality of life has
improved as a result of having business. While the majority of respondents confirmed that
education facilitates women entrepreneurs to improve poor household’s incomes, the
Government of Rwanda has a task to increase the availability of training programs for
women entrepreneurs in their day to day routine business
On the other hand, managerial skills and access to credit or financial resources were
found the main factors that facilitate business performance in Rwanda; women have
accessibility and right to do business, whereby there are some facilities are in place to
motivate them, like those MFis for women (Duterimbere), besides effective Government
policies.
This research also concluded that being a member of other associations affects
entrepreneurship because it affects managerial skills and experience of entrepreneurs.
The Government of Rwanda should focus on training and consultation for these small
cooperatives that are developing, especially those for women, so that the socio-economic
environment should be improved. The majority of respondents confirmed that their
socio-economic status has improved through entrepreneurship.
According to the third research question, relationship between women entrepreneurship
and family socio-economic development, using Pearson correlation coefficient, the table
4.26 indicates that women entrepreneurs (Reba – Unyurwe women cooperative) affect
Socio-economic development on the rate of 78.3%.
61
5.2 Recommendations
The study findings yielded the following recommendations in view of women
entrepreneurs and socio-economic development.
5.2.1. Short term Recommendations
Women entrepreneurs must minimize all loss caused by lack of training and low level of
education that leads to lack of managerial skills in their routine activities of business by
seeking various trainings available, especially those related to their business. Training for
entrepreneurship should be built on a thorough analysis of their training needs before,
during and after they move into business.
Women should also expand their markets; participate in different trade fairs since it is an
opportunity for marketing their products, in order to achieve high levels of performance.
Women entrepreneurs’ members of Reba - Unyurwe cooperative should do the awareness
campaigns of their products to attract more clients, they should also integrate exchange
visits; to visit projects and cooperatives that already realized gains/profit to learn more as
they do their businesses.
5.2.2. Medium term recommendations
The Government of Rwanda should formulate policies to ensure that entrepreneurs of
rural areas are guided in a way that it successfully guides rural people through availing
resources and procedures that favor the context of the entrepreneurs ‘needs.
The Government needs to promote women entrepreneurship by encouraging grassroots
self-help efforts in several ways, including funding direct operations, training, education
and subsidiary activities of community groups.
62
Women members of Reba - Unyurwe handcraft cooperative should look for mentors and
coaches for informal learning, exchange of good practices and for resolving real-life
business problems in a sustainable manner. It has come to the attention that the level of
socio-economic development depends on the performance of their business. The
implementation of an international network would provide access to new technology,
could help to reach new markets and could change the community for the better.
Women entrepreneurs’ members of Reba - Unyurwe cooperative, should diversify their
income generating activities to meet the whole and surrounding population.
5.2.3. Long term recommendations
The Government of Rwanda has:
-To initiate entrepreneurial learning at an early start to develop entrepreneurship skills in
boys and girls according to their own needs and interests.
-To initiate that entrepreneurship become a key competence in curricula. Special attention
should be paid to developing leadership skills in girls from the early phases of education
and to broadening their exposure to technology-related issues.
Women in entrepreneurship should not be fearful of the world of business and have self
confidence in their strengths and confidence
The Government of Rwanda and all stakeholders engaged in women entrepreneurship
should make sure that different trainings are provided, and that they should be built on a
thorough analysis of their training needs both before, during and after they move into
business.
63
5.3 Suggestions for Further Studies
As women have the main role in any country, it is necessary to study and analyze their
contribution in business through several stages at micro and macro-economic level. The
future researchers should carry out a research on the contribution of women-owned
businesses in rural areas’ development, women access to credit and household income.
64
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Appendix I: Questionnaire
INTRODUCTION
These questions are designed to solicit your views on women entrepreneurs and family
socio-economic development. This study is purely academic and as a matter of fact, the
information you provide here would be kept confidentially.
Thank you for your support
KAGOYIRE Sophie
Please answer all questions below and tick as appropriate to you
Enterprise level information
1. Is your enterprise registered?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
2. If registered, how is it registered?
Private limited company [ ]
Public limited company [ ]
Cooperative [ ]
3. Does your business have a bank account?
Yes [ ]
No [ ]
4. Number of years in the business
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Under 1 [ ]
1 - 2 [ ]
3 – 4 [ ]
5 – 6 [ ]
7 and above [ ]
5. Are you the sole owner or shareholder of the enterprise?
Sole owner (100% ownership) [ ]
Majority shareholder (over 50% share) [ ]
Equal shareholder (50% share) [ ]
Minority shareholder (less 50% share) [ ]
Challenges
1. Challenges faced by women entrepreneurs: Fill this table using
1: Strongly Agree, 2: Agree, 3:Not sure, 4: Strongly Disagree, 5: Disagree
Challenges 1 2 3 4 5
Lack of market
Lack the support of other female business leaders
High taxes
Women entrepreneurs are afraid of failure
Lack of training
Combining family obligations and business
No strategic plan
No social media plan
Undefined niche
Motivations
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2. What was the major source of money you started this enterprise with?
Borrowed/got loan from financial institution [ ]
Savings over a period of time [ ]
Savings from other enterprises/business [ ]
Borrowed from a friend/relative [ ]
Savings circles [ ]
3. What were the major influencing factors that were helpful in starting this
business?
Managerial skills [ ]
Marketing [ ]
Access to credit [ ]
Experience [ ]
4. Do you enjoy any special treatment concerning entrepreneurship by virtue of
being a women entrepreneur?
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
5. Respect within the society, easy access to loan, improvement in living standards
families motivate woman entrepreneurs
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
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6. Policies concerning women entrepreneurship in Rwanda are hard
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
7. Do you think that the market for handcraft is sufficient?
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
8. Do you agree that being a member of associations or network of women
entrepreneurs affect entrepreneurship?
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
If you do, what services have you obtained from it/them
a) Trainings and consultation [ ]
b) Assistance in marketing product [ ]
c) Access to information [ ]
d) Loan and working capital [ ]
e) Access to business advisory services [ ]
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9. Educational fee for my children, mutual health insurance for my family,
construction and/ or renovation of house are changes in the quality of life have
come about as a result of having business
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
10. What do you think women entrepreneurs can do to improve poor household’s
incomes?
a. Education.
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
b. Training
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
c. Experience
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
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Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
d. Financial aspect
Strongly agree [ ]
Agree [ ]
Disagree [ ]
Strongly disagree [ ]
11. What do you think women entrepreneurs can do to improve poor household’s
income?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
…
12. What are the driver influencing women entrepreneurs in socio economic
development?
………………………………………………………………………………………
13. What are the benefits of being a woman entrepreneur in Rwanda?
………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you