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MEDA, 2020 – 24 pages
This report outlines the key characteristics, influencing the environment, and needs of Women-Owned Businesses (WBEs) to support investors and business service providers in Africa to adopt a gender lens within their current practices and policies. This paper starts with a review summarizing the characteristics of WBEs and their enabling environment. It also describes key findings from the primary field research conducted on technical assistance and business support; financial support; and gender-specific considerations. Communalities found across WBEs:
- Limited access to resources including collateral and other sources of financing.
- Slow to moderate business growth orientation.
- Limited knowledge of financing options and financial management.
- If married and/or have children, added pressure of requiring spousal support and balancing childcare.
- Low self-confidence to grow their business and seek investment support.
- Risk-averse to investment and fast growth.
- Underestimate performance.
- Childcare & community responsibilities.