WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA: ASSESSING THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Abstract

This study examined women entrepreneurs in small and medium scale enterprises with the
aim of assessing the role of government in its policies towards their businesses. An
exploratory survey research design by which primary data was collected from selected
respondents was adopted for this study. The population of the study comprised women
entrepreneurs who own and manage small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) across
the three senatorial districts of Edo State, Nigeria. 384 copies of the questionnaire were
administered to respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data
analysis was done through descriptive analysis using frequency tables, pie charts and bar
charts, and multiple regressions. Findings from the study revealed that with the
formulation of women-oriented government policies there would be a significant effect
on the operations of women entrepreneurs in SMEs. This study recommended that the
government as a key stakeholder should encourage women entrepreneurs by the creation
and implementation of adequately suited policies to women which would enhance the
survival of their enterprises.