Performance of women-owned enterprises in Mumias town

Abstract

This study examines how socio-economic characteristics affect the performance of women owned enterprises in Mumias town. This study builds upon the premise that differences in socio- economic characteristics affects performance of women owned enterprises. The study utilizes social change theory. The following were the study objectives; to determine how differences in education levels of women entrepreneurs affect the performance of their businesses; to determine the impact of dependency on the performance of women- owned enterprises; to determine how differences in age affects the performance of women owned enterprises, to determine the impact of marital status on the performance of women- owned enterprises. Interviews were held with eighty female entrepreneurs selected on a random basis. Five key informants provided detailed information on key areas of the study. The study reveals that socio-economic characteristics affect the performance of women-owned enterprises in different ways. This is manifested by differences in income, the number of workers and the initial capital available to start enterprises. The study has established that education; marital status and age were positively related to the enterprises income. However a large number of dependents have negatively affected enterprises income The study recommends the government should invest more in education of women, as it is key to better performance of women-owned enterprises. Secondly the government and nongovernmental organization should provide more capital to poor enterprenuers. Lastly the government (Local Authority) should provide enabling …