State of entrepreneurial skills among women and their achievements in Rwanda

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as an important driver of economic growth, productivity, innovation and employment, and it is widely accepted as a key aspect of economic dynamism. Transforming ideas into business opportunities is the decisive issue of entrepreneurship. Several researchers have done much to find the traits or skills of entrepreneurs for their success and/or failure. In the recent times in Rwanda, there has been much focus on women development, and empowerment. This study centered specifically to women of Rugero village some of whom have created businesses, while others are not. The overall objective of this study was to analyze the state of entrepreneurial skills among women and achievements in Rugero village. Specific objectives; were to identify the entrepreneurial skills of women, to examine the changes in skills and qualities of women entrepreneurs after undertaking entrepreneurship, to analyze the changes in status of women entrepreneurs after undertaking entrepreneurship, and to offer suggestions on the light of the findings. Theoretical Review was undertaken for the purpose of examining the body of theory that has accumulated in regard to an issue, concept, theory or phenomena, Both Quantitative and qualitative approaches have been applied in this research and primary and secondary data were analyzed, 60 respondents were asked using interview guided and results are presented in their respective tables. Findings are consistent with literature, the same as other parts of the world, negative perception on Management of money, paying taxes, Fear of failure, Lack of capital, Lack of self-confidence and culture are the major obstacles that hinder women in Rugero village from starting businesses. These women are giving advices to their colleagues who are doing business to encourage other women and girls to start their businesses, proper marketing their products in order to expand their businesses, to keep learn from the experienced entrepreneurs, and to focus on the most preferable products for their customers. Recommendations given including that formal institutions should be decentralized, for example at sector level so that people can easily acquire knowledge and skills, especially those who did not attend formal education to the sufficient level. Key Words: Women entrepreneurship, empowerment, traits, skills, achievement .