Exploring the Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Advancing Socially Inclusive Economic Growth in Anambra State, Nigeria

Several opportunities exist for women entrepreneurs in Anambra State such as access to microfinance loans, technology and Digital Marketing and government Support Programs. They make significant contributions such as job creation, fostering innovation and increase GDP through small and medium enterprises (SMEs), etc. Despite these contributions they face substantial challenges and barriers that impede their full potential. This study employed a descriptive survey research design and gender theory as its theoretical framework. A structured questionnaire was utilized as the data collecting tool, and Cochran’s method was employed to calculate the sample size of 190. In order to reduce mistakes and assess the instrument’s dependability, the instrument was validated using expert judgments; a pilot study was also conducted. The study used SPSS as its statistical analysis tool and employed descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages to analyze the data. According to the study, the majority of female entrepreneurs face numerous obstacles, including limited access to markets and customers, a lack of opportunities for business training and skill development, high operating costs, and discrimination based on gender. There are sufficient government programs that support their business such as access to digital technology, e-commerce and digital marketing, microfinance institutions and cooperatives. These programmes provided adequate financial support for women-owned businesses. Therefore, this study concludes that women entrepreneurs contributed to social inclusive economic growth in Anambra State. Finally, the respondents suggested the best policies or intervention from government to support women entrepreneurs in Anambra State such as: providing incentives that will enhance their business, put an end to insecurity issues in the state by tightening their security measures and stabilize the environment so that there will be more confidence in women in entrepreneurship in operating their businesses