Effect of women empowerment on women-owned business performance in Wakiso District, Uganda
Abstract:
Purpose: This study identified women empowerment practices and investigated the challenges to women-owned business performance in the Kyengera Town Council.
Research methodology: This study employed a descriptive survey design using a qualitative data collection approach. A sample of 57 women was selected from 67 women who owned businesses using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through surveys and interviews, edited, cleaned, coded to develop themes, and entered into MS Excel to generate frequency tables.
Results: The results showed economic empowerment, competence development, market information sharing, and social networking as practices for women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the results reveal economic issues, law and policy, environmental issues, sociocultural issues, geopolitics, and incompetence as key challenges.
Limitations: The study was limited by financial challenges and inaccessibility to women-owned businesses on the Kyengera town council.
Contribution: This study offers a new era for research on women’s empowerment, key to addressing the existing gap in women’s contribution to women-owned business performance. Thus, based on the results, women feel assured of their role in women-owned business performance and community development in the district.
Novelty: The originality of the study was expressed in the results elicited from the participants. Such a study has never been conducted in the Kyengera Town Council; thus, the results would provide avenues for referral for future researchers. In previous studies, male businesses were at the forefront of other areas. However, women who owned businesses in the Kyengera council were considered for study.
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Adiza, G. R., Alamina, U. P., & Aliyu, I. S. (2020). The influence of socio-cultural factors on the performance of female entrepreneurs. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 2(1), 13-27.
Aduwari, E. (2022). Empowering Female Entrepreneurs In Uganda. Retrieved from https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-advocacy/empowering-female-entrepreneurs-in-uganda
AIGE. (n.d.). Definition of empowerment of women. Retrieved from https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/thesaurus/terms/1246
Amadi, A. F. S., & Adim, C. V. (2020). Environmental factors influencing women entrepreneurial intentions: A conceptual review. European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies.
Amegayibor, G. K. (2021). Leadership styles and employees' performance: A case of family-owned manufacturing company, Cape Coast. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 3(2), 149-164.
Anoke, A. F. (2023). Microfinance services and the growth of women entrepreneurial businesses in North Central Nigeria. Management, 4(4), 379-393.
Asiimwe, F. (2017). Corporate governance and performance of SMEs in Uganda. International Journal of Technology and Management, 2(1), 14-14.
Ayene, G. Y., & Abebe, N. A. (2020). The women entrepreneurs failure factors in the case of Gojjam Zones. International Journal of Finance & Managerial Accounting, 5(18), 1-12.
Brauner, J. (2021). Understanding Challenges for Ugandan Business women: A survey of Women-led Enterprises.
Cacciotti, G., & Hayton, J. C. (2014). Fear of failure and entrepreneurship: a review and direction for future research. Enterprise Research Centre Research Papers(0024).
Cheng, M. (2018). 8 Major Challenges Women Face In Business. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/margueritacheng/2018/10/31/8-major-challenges-women-face-in-business/?sh=6614e40f6461
Copley, A., Gokalp, B., & Kirkwood, D. (n.d.). Unlocking the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda: A Brief of Policy Interventions.
Davis-Pluess, J., & Pruzan-Jorgensen, P. (2016). Women’s empowerment in global value chains: a framework for business action to advance women’s health, rights, and wellbeing.
Digan, S. P., Sahi, G. K., Mantok, S., & Patel, P. C. (2019). Women's perceived empowerment in entrepreneurial efforts: the role of bricolage and psychological capital. Journal of small business management, 57(1), 206-229.
Erfanian, D. (2022). Women Entrepreneurship in Social Media (2022). Retrieved from https://legamart.com/articles/women-entrepreneurship-in-social-media-2022/
Eton, M., Mwosi, F., Okello-Obura, C., Turyehebwa, A., & Uwonda, G. (2021). Financial inclusion and the growth of small medium enterprises in Uganda: empirical evidence from selected districts in Lango sub-region. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 10, 1-23.
Eton, M., & Nkamusiima, D. (2022). Access to finance and women entrepreneurship development in the Kigezi subregion, Uganda. Journal of the International Council for Small Business, 1-13.
Huis, M. A., Hansen, N., Otten, S., & Lensink, R. (2017). A three-dimensional model of women’s empowerment: Implications in the field of microfinance and future directions. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 1678.
ICReport. (2021). Legal, Administrative and Policy Reforms to Access Finance and Manage Businesses. Retrieved from
Kamukama, E. (2017). Growth of Ugandan women in business still a challenge. Retrieved from https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/growth-of-ugandan-women-in-business-still-a-challenge-1687902
Kapesa, T., Nyagadza, B., Mugano, G., & Cheza, A. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survival of MSMEs in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 5(2), 179-194.
Khalid, R., Ali, W., Mahmood, S., & Alasan, I. I. (2020). Environmental factors and involvement of women in entrepreneurship through self-leadership behavior. PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 17(7), 12857-12880.
Khan, R. U., Salamzadeh, Y., Shah, S. Z. A., & Hussain, M. (2021). Factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ success: a study of small-and medium-sized enterprises in emerging market of Pakistan. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 10(1), 1-21.
Kiyabo, K., & Isaga, N. (2020). Entrepreneurial orientation, competitive advantage, and SMEs’ performance: application of firm growth and personal wealth measures. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 9, 1-15.
Lashitew, A., Birhanu, A., & Getachew, Y. (2022). How public health policies protected women-owned businesses during the pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-public-health-policies-protected-women-owned-businesses-during-the-pandemic/
Mahbub, M. (2021). Women Empowerment; theory, practice, process and importance.
Malhotra, A., Schulte, J., & Patel, P. (2009). Innovation for women's empowerment and gender equality: International Center for Research on Women (ICRW).
Matheka, M. K. (2015). Influence of women enterprise fund on performance of small and medium enterprises: a case study of women entrepreneurs in Kisasi sub-county, Kitui county-Kenya. University of Nairobi.
Mbithi, L. M. (2013). Barriers faced by women-owned businesses: perspectives of women from East African Community.
Mbowa, H. S., Businge, M. P., Ssemaluulu, P., & Eton, M. (2023). Influence of Social Capital on Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Wakiso District, Uganda. International Journal of Accounting and Management Information Systems, 1(1), 81-95.
Mbowa, H. S., Businge, P. M., Ssemaluulu, P., & Eton, M. (2022). Social Media Usage and Market Performance of manufacturing SMEs in Wakiso district, Uganda. Kabale University.
Mbowa, H. S., & Siraje, K. (2020). Understanding feminism perspective on informal women entrepreneurs in Kyengera town council.
Mbowa, H. S., & Thomas, R. (2021). Women’s empowerment role in leadership, Kyengera Town Council. Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 1(1), 62-74.
Meng, X., Zhao, L., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Information sharing and sales format strategy under platform economy and cap-and-trade. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 174, 108774.
Merza, Z. (2019). The role and importance of social media on women entrepreneurship. Available at SSRN 3408414.
Mugabi, E. (2014). Women's entrepreneurship development in Uganda: Insights and recommendations: ILO.
Muller, P., Cannings, J., Priem, M., Unlu Bohn, N., Lefebvre, V., Murphy, E., . . . Devnani, S. (2021). Annual Report on European SMEs 2020/2021: Digitalisation of SMEs: Background Document. Hope, K., Ed.
Nankinga, C., Omona, W., & Bukirwa, J. (2019). Information Needs of Women Market Vendors in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. Makerere University.
Nayma, J., Ratul, S. S., & Rahman, S. B. (2023). Understanding the effects of SMS marketing on consumers' attitude and purchase decision: An Empirical study on Bangladesh. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 5(2), 215-233.
Ngek, N. B. (2018). Challenges and performance of women-owned informal businesses in South Africa: a family embeddedness perspective. University of the Free State.
NORAD. (2011). Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/aidfortrade/47399575.pdf
Pillai N, V., & BP, A. (2012). Women Empowerment: An Epistemic Quest.
Piryanka, P., & Tomar, T. S. (2020). The Overview Of Women Empowerment In India. International Journal Management, 11(12), 3046 -3054.
Puerto, M. (2022). Strengthening Uganda’s Economic Growth with Support to Women Entrepreneurs. Retrieved from https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/strengthening-ugandas-economic-growth-support-women-entrepreneurs
Purnamawati, I. G. A., & Utama, M. S. (2019). Women’s empowerment strategies to improve their role in families and society. International Journal of Business, Economics and Law, 18(5), 119-127.
Rani, J. (2020). Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs Retrieved from https://www.opengrowth.com/resources/challenges-of-women-entrepreneurs
Roomi, M. A., Harrison, P., & Beaumont?Kerridge, J. (2009). Women?owned small and medium enterprises in England: Analysis of factors influencing the growth process. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 16(2), 270-288.
Stevenson, L., & St-Onge, A. (2005). Support for growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in Uganda: ILO.
TechnoServe. (n.d.). Women’s Economic Empowerment. Retrieved from https://www.technoserve.org/our-work/womens-economic-empowerment/
Tuyishime, C., Shukla, J., & Bajpai, G. (2015). The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in business expansion: A case study of women members of handicraft co-operatives in Nyarugenge district. Paper presented at the Kigali Africalics Second International Conference.
UNIDO. (2014). Empowering Women: Fostering Entrepreneurship.
Worldbank. (n.d.). Using Digital Solutions to Address Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from https://digitalforwomen.worldbank.org/access-markets
Zeb, A., Jan, S., Ihsan, A., & Shah, F. A. (2019). Political factors and women's entrepreneurial performance.
- Adiza, G. R., Alamina, U. P., & Aliyu, I. S. (2020). The influence of socio-cultural factors on the performance of female entrepreneurs. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 2(1), 13-27.
- Aduwari, E. (2022). Empowering Female Entrepreneurs In Uganda. Retrieved from https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/tef-advocacy/empowering-female-entrepreneurs-in-uganda
- AIGE. (n.d.). Definition of empowerment of women. Retrieved from https://eige.europa.eu/publications-resources/thesaurus/terms/1246
- Amadi, A. F. S., & Adim, C. V. (2020). Environmental factors influencing women entrepreneurial intentions: A conceptual review. European Journal of Management and Marketing Studies.
- Amegayibor, G. K. (2021). Leadership styles and employees' performance: A case of family-owned manufacturing company, Cape Coast. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 3(2), 149-164.
- Anoke, A. F. (2023). Microfinance services and the growth of women entrepreneurial businesses in North Central Nigeria. Management, 4(4), 379-393.
- Asiimwe, F. (2017). Corporate governance and performance of SMEs in Uganda. International Journal of Technology and Management, 2(1), 14-14.
- Ayene, G. Y., & Abebe, N. A. (2020). The women entrepreneurs failure factors in the case of Gojjam Zones. International Journal of Finance & Managerial Accounting, 5(18), 1-12.
- Brauner, J. (2021). Understanding Challenges for Ugandan Business women: A survey of Women-led Enterprises.
- Cacciotti, G., & Hayton, J. C. (2014). Fear of failure and entrepreneurship: a review and direction for future research. Enterprise Research Centre Research Papers(0024).
- Cheng, M. (2018). 8 Major Challenges Women Face In Business. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/margueritacheng/2018/10/31/8-major-challenges-women-face-in-business/?sh=6614e40f6461
- Copley, A., Gokalp, B., & Kirkwood, D. (n.d.). Unlocking the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda: A Brief of Policy Interventions.
- Davis-Pluess, J., & Pruzan-Jorgensen, P. (2016). Women’s empowerment in global value chains: a framework for business action to advance women’s health, rights, and wellbeing.
- Digan, S. P., Sahi, G. K., Mantok, S., & Patel, P. C. (2019). Women's perceived empowerment in entrepreneurial efforts: the role of bricolage and psychological capital. Journal of small business management, 57(1), 206-229.
- Erfanian, D. (2022). Women Entrepreneurship in Social Media (2022). Retrieved from https://legamart.com/articles/women-entrepreneurship-in-social-media-2022/
- Eton, M., Mwosi, F., Okello-Obura, C., Turyehebwa, A., & Uwonda, G. (2021). Financial inclusion and the growth of small medium enterprises in Uganda: empirical evidence from selected districts in Lango sub-region. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 10, 1-23.
- Eton, M., & Nkamusiima, D. (2022). Access to finance and women entrepreneurship development in the Kigezi subregion, Uganda. Journal of the International Council for Small Business, 1-13.
- Huis, M. A., Hansen, N., Otten, S., & Lensink, R. (2017). A three-dimensional model of women’s empowerment: Implications in the field of microfinance and future directions. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 1678.
- ICReport. (2021). Legal, Administrative and Policy Reforms to Access Finance and Manage Businesses. Retrieved from
- Kamukama, E. (2017). Growth of Ugandan women in business still a challenge. Retrieved from https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/business/prosper/growth-of-ugandan-women-in-business-still-a-challenge-1687902
- Kapesa, T., Nyagadza, B., Mugano, G., & Cheza, A. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on survival of MSMEs in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 5(2), 179-194.
- Khalid, R., Ali, W., Mahmood, S., & Alasan, I. I. (2020). Environmental factors and involvement of women in entrepreneurship through self-leadership behavior. PalArch's Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 17(7), 12857-12880.
- Khan, R. U., Salamzadeh, Y., Shah, S. Z. A., & Hussain, M. (2021). Factors affecting women entrepreneurs’ success: a study of small-and medium-sized enterprises in emerging market of Pakistan. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 10(1), 1-21.
- Kiyabo, K., & Isaga, N. (2020). Entrepreneurial orientation, competitive advantage, and SMEs’ performance: application of firm growth and personal wealth measures. Journal of innovation and entrepreneurship, 9, 1-15.
- Lashitew, A., Birhanu, A., & Getachew, Y. (2022). How public health policies protected women-owned businesses during the pandemic. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-public-health-policies-protected-women-owned-businesses-during-the-pandemic/
- Mahbub, M. (2021). Women Empowerment; theory, practice, process and importance.
- Malhotra, A., Schulte, J., & Patel, P. (2009). Innovation for women's empowerment and gender equality: International Center for Research on Women (ICRW).
- Matheka, M. K. (2015). Influence of women enterprise fund on performance of small and medium enterprises: a case study of women entrepreneurs in Kisasi sub-county, Kitui county-Kenya. University of Nairobi.
- Mbithi, L. M. (2013). Barriers faced by women-owned businesses: perspectives of women from East African Community.
- Mbowa, H. S., Businge, M. P., Ssemaluulu, P., & Eton, M. (2023). Influence of Social Capital on Small and Medium Enterprises Performance in Wakiso District, Uganda. International Journal of Accounting and Management Information Systems, 1(1), 81-95.
- Mbowa, H. S., Businge, P. M., Ssemaluulu, P., & Eton, M. (2022). Social Media Usage and Market Performance of manufacturing SMEs in Wakiso district, Uganda. Kabale University.
- Mbowa, H. S., & Siraje, K. (2020). Understanding feminism perspective on informal women entrepreneurs in Kyengera town council.
- Mbowa, H. S., & Thomas, R. (2021). Women’s empowerment role in leadership, Kyengera Town Council. Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal, 1(1), 62-74.
- Meng, X., Zhao, L., & Zhao, Y. (2022). Information sharing and sales format strategy under platform economy and cap-and-trade. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 174, 108774.
- Merza, Z. (2019). The role and importance of social media on women entrepreneurship. Available at SSRN 3408414.
- Mugabi, E. (2014). Women's entrepreneurship development in Uganda: Insights and recommendations: ILO.
- Muller, P., Cannings, J., Priem, M., Unlu Bohn, N., Lefebvre, V., Murphy, E., . . . Devnani, S. (2021). Annual Report on European SMEs 2020/2021: Digitalisation of SMEs: Background Document. Hope, K., Ed.
- Nankinga, C., Omona, W., & Bukirwa, J. (2019). Information Needs of Women Market Vendors in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, Uganda. Makerere University.
- Nayma, J., Ratul, S. S., & Rahman, S. B. (2023). Understanding the effects of SMS marketing on consumers' attitude and purchase decision: An Empirical study on Bangladesh. International Journal of Financial, Accounting, and Management, 5(2), 215-233.
- Ngek, N. B. (2018). Challenges and performance of women-owned informal businesses in South Africa: a family embeddedness perspective. University of the Free State.
- NORAD. (2011). Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/aidfortrade/47399575.pdf
- Pillai N, V., & BP, A. (2012). Women Empowerment: An Epistemic Quest.
- Piryanka, P., & Tomar, T. S. (2020). The Overview Of Women Empowerment In India. International Journal Management, 11(12), 3046 -3054.
- Puerto, M. (2022). Strengthening Uganda’s Economic Growth with Support to Women Entrepreneurs. Retrieved from https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/strengthening-ugandas-economic-growth-support-women-entrepreneurs
- Purnamawati, I. G. A., & Utama, M. S. (2019). Women’s empowerment strategies to improve their role in families and society. International Journal of Business, Economics and Law, 18(5), 119-127.
- Rani, J. (2020). Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs Retrieved from https://www.opengrowth.com/resources/challenges-of-women-entrepreneurs
- Roomi, M. A., Harrison, P., & Beaumont?Kerridge, J. (2009). Women?owned small and medium enterprises in England: Analysis of factors influencing the growth process. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 16(2), 270-288.
- Stevenson, L., & St-Onge, A. (2005). Support for growth-oriented women entrepreneurs in Uganda: ILO.
- TechnoServe. (n.d.). Women’s Economic Empowerment. Retrieved from https://www.technoserve.org/our-work/womens-economic-empowerment/
- Tuyishime, C., Shukla, J., & Bajpai, G. (2015). The challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in business expansion: A case study of women members of handicraft co-operatives in Nyarugenge district. Paper presented at the Kigali Africalics Second International Conference.
- UNIDO. (2014). Empowering Women: Fostering Entrepreneurship.
- Worldbank. (n.d.). Using Digital Solutions to Address Barriers to Female Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from https://digitalforwomen.worldbank.org/access-markets
- Zeb, A., Jan, S., Ihsan, A., & Shah, F. A. (2019). Political factors and women's entrepreneurial performance.
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