1.1 Introduction
Gender is defined as the socially constructed roles, behaviors, and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men and women (World Health Organization, 2021). It encompasses the expectations and norms that shape individuals’ opportunities and experiences in various spheres of life, including education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship, on the other hand, is the process of identifying, developing, and bringing a vision to life, typically in the form of a business venture, while assuming the associated risks and rewards (Hisrich et al., 2017). The impact of gender on entrepreneurship development extends beyond individual business outcomes. It affects the overall economic potential of communities and regions. Gender disparities in access to entrepreneurial resources result in underutilization of human capital and hinder inclusive economic growth (World Bank, 2022).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
Historically, entrepreneurship has been predominantly male-dominated, with women facing systemic barriers to entry, access to resources, and recognition in business environments (Hisrich, Peters, & Shepherd, 2017). In many societies, including Nigeria, traditional and cultural norms restricted women’s economic activities, confining them largely to household roles or informal sector engagements (Ogunyemi, 2020). In Northern Nigeria, the historical context is shaped by socio-cultural and religious practices that influence gender roles and economic participation. According to Abubakar (2018), women in the region have historically been limited in access to formal education, financial capital, and professional networks, which are critical for entrepreneurial growth. On the other hand, men have traditionally held dominant positions in commerce, trade, and political decision-making, thereby creating gendered disparities in business opportunities.
Adebayo & Yusuf (2019) reported that, during the early post-independence period, development policies in Nigeria paid little attention to gender inclusivity in entrepreneurship promotion, focusing predominantly on industrial and agricultural expansion that largely benefited men (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2019). As a result, women’s contribution to the economy, while significant in informal sectors, remained underappreciated and underdeveloped. With globalization and economic reforms in the 1980s and 1990s, scholars contended that entrepreneurship development began to be recognized as a vital tool for economic empowerment, including for women, though gender-specific interventions were still limited (Usman & Ali, 2021).
Gender considerations have increasingly been recognized as a critical factor in the development of entrepreneurship across the globe. According to World Bank (2022), gender disparities in entrepreneurial participation limit the full potential of economic growth, particularly in regions where women face systemic barriers to business engagement. Entrepreneurship development is not only a pathway to wealth creation but also a mechanism for social empowerment, poverty reduction, and sustainable community development (Hisrich, Peters, & Shepherd, 2017).
In the context of Northern Nigeria, reported that cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors significantly influence the participation of women in entrepreneurial activities (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2019). These factors often restrict women’s access to essential resources such as finance, education, and business networks, thereby constraining their capacity to establish and grow businesses. Abubakar (2018) asserted that men, on the other hand, are frequently favored in access to entrepreneurial opportunities, mentorship, and institutional support, which enhances their business performance and sustainability (Abubakar, 2018).
Usman and Ali (2021) stated that gender norms and societal expectations shape the choice of business sectors and entrepreneurial strategies adopted by women, often limiting them to low-capital or informal sector businesses. Affirmed that government policies and development programs have not sufficiently addressed gender disparities in entrepreneurship, leading to persistent gaps in access, participation, and growth outcomes (Ogunyemi, 2020). Scholars contend that bridging this gender gap is crucial for achieving inclusive economic development and leveraging the full entrepreneurial potential of the population (World Bank, 2022). This study is set against the backdrop of examining how gender considerations influence entrepreneurship development in Northern Nigeria.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the development of entrepreneurship in Northern Nigeria is influenced by a myriad of factors, with gender considerations playing a significant role. Women in the region face numerous challenges that hinder their participation and success in entrepreneurial activities. Cultural and societal norms often restrict women’s mobility, access to resources, and decision-making power, thereby limiting their capacity to engage fully in business ventures (Ogunyemi, 2020). Gender biases in access to finance, training, and networks are pervasive, resulting in unequal opportunities between male and female entrepreneurs (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2019).
On the other hand, men are frequently provided with preferential access to education, capital, and mentorship, which is critical for entrepreneurial success (Abubakar, 2018). The lack of gender-sensitive policies and programs further exacerbates disparities, making it difficult for women to compete on equal footing with their male counterparts. Additionally, the interplay of religion, tradition, and socio-economic status affects women’s entrepreneurial initiatives, influencing their business choices and growth potential (Usman & Ali, 2021).
Furthermore, entrepreneurship development is not only vital for economic growth but also for poverty alleviation and social empowerment. However, the gender gap in entrepreneurial participation limits the overall potential of Northern Nigeria’s economy (World Bank, 2022). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the impact of gender considerations on entrepreneurship development in Northern Nigeria.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of gender considerations on entrepreneurship development in Northern Nigeria.
The specific objectives of this study include:
- To examine the extent to which gender influences access to entrepreneurial resources in Northern Nigeria.
- To identify the socio-cultural and economic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria.
- To evaluate the role of government and non-governmental initiatives in promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.
- To explore strategies for reducing gender disparities and enhancing entrepreneurship development among both men and women in Northern Nigeria.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- To what extent does gender influence access to entrepreneurial resources in Northern Nigeria?
- What socio-cultural and economic challenges do women entrepreneurs face in Northern Nigeria?
- How effective are government and non-government initiatives in promoting gender-inclusive entrepreneurship?
- What strategies will reduce gender disparities and enhance entrepreneurship development among men and women in Northern Nigeria?
1.6 Significance of the Study
The outcome of this research will contribute to policy formulation by accentuating the specific challenges and opportunities faced by male and female entrepreneurs in the region. Also, policymakers and development agencies will benefit from insights into how gender-sensitive strategies can be designed to promote inclusive economic growth and reduce gender disparities in business participation (World Bank, 2022).
This study will also be valuable to educational institutions and training organizations by identifying the skills and support systems that are most effective in empowering women and men entrepreneurs (Adebayo & Yusuf, 2019). Additionally, the study will enrich academic knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the intersection of gender and entrepreneurship in a region where cultural and religious factors strongly shape economic participation.
Lastly, researchers and scholars will be able to build on this study to explore further gender-related issues in entrepreneurship and contribute to a broader discourse on inclusive development. The study will also serve as a guide for stakeholders, including government, non-governmental organizations, and private sector actors, to implement interventions that will foster equitable entrepreneurship development, stimulate economic growth, and promote social empowerment in Northern Nigeria.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Gender has no significant impact on entrepreneurship development in Northern Nigeria.
- H1: Gender has a significant impact on entrepreneurship development in Northern Nigeria.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: Gender does not significantly influence access to entrepreneurial resources in Northern Nigeria.
- H0: Gender significantly influences access to entrepreneurial resources in Northern Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The scope of this research is focused on gender considerations and entrepreneurship development within Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. It will consider both male and female entrepreneurs and evaluate the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on their business performance.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Gender:
Gender is the set of socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations assigned to men and women by society (World Health Organization, 2021). It determines access to resources and opportunities in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship:
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, developing, and managing a business venture while taking on financial risks to achieve profit and growth (Hisrich, Peters, & Shepherd, 2017).
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