Women Involvement in Small Scale Business: A Study of Women in Canteen Business in Ovia North East Local Government, Benin City, Edo State

Abstract

This study focused on women involvement in small scale business in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. Creation of platforms and networks for entrepreneurial culture is a prominent issue globally. However, in most societies, women are considered as weaker gender physically and emotionally, therefore prospects open to them to develop into business is an area still quite unexplored and needs attention. This study therefore investigated the sociodemographic characteristics of women in small scale business, specifically the canteen business, as well as the factors that led to their involvement in the business. It also examined the benefits derived as well as the challenges faced in the canteen business. The result of the study showed that majority of the respondents were influenced by the desire to provide for their needs as well as those of their family members. It also revealed that respondents derived several benefits from the canteen business with a greater percentage indicating that they derived a stable income from the business. However, respondents still asserted that they have encountered challenges since they started the business with inadequate finance. This has emerged as the most identified challenge. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others. Increased funding for female owned businesses with several channels created for access to finance should be encouraged.