West African Women Entrepreneurs in a Glocal World
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:24th Mar '25
£145.00
Supplier delay - available to order, but may take longer than usual.
More African women than men become entrepreneurs, with women often balancing time caring for their households with small enterprises such as setting up shops in front of their homes, renting market stalls, or setting up hairstyling businesses.
This book considers these micro-level instances of entrepreneurship, as well as cases of more established high-status entrepreneurs, to build a picture of women entrepreneurs in West African societies, and their wider role in socio-economic development. Small and medium enterprises are seen as agents of change in the global south, vital for job creation and poverty reduction, but women often face barriers which hinder their entrepreneurial success, such as lack of funding, useful networks, or inhibitive gender stereotypes. This book highlights cases of gender and economic success, to demonstrate the significant potential of the female economy to generate progress and change.
This book will be an important read for students and researchers of entrepreneurship, business, gender, development, and economic sociology in Africa.
'Did you know that African women start more businesses than men? Who are these entrepreneurs, and how do they navigate their gender roles while adapting to a dynamic and evolving economic landscape? This book provides clear and compelling answers.
Grounded in extensive empirical research conducted primarily by African scholars, this multidisciplinary work—spanning anthropology, sociology, economics, gender studies, and management—offers a rich and nuanced exploration of female entrepreneurship. Moving beyond simplistic clichés that contrast informal survival businesses with high-powered transnational trade, it highlights the diversity and complexity of entrepreneurial journeys.
The book delves into a wide range of sectors, including food processing, fashion, cosmetics, catering, natural health products, and beauty and wellness services. It also sheds light on lesser-known aspects of female entrepreneurship, such as highly educated women launching high-value enterprises and engaging in philanthropy.
It further examines the influence of education, family structures, social networks—including religious and political ties—women’s associations, and public policies in shaping entrepreneurial success.
Finally, the book underscores the "glocal" nature of this entrepreneurship, where local traditions and economic realities continuously evolve in response to globalization, migration, and the pursuit of innovation and modernity.
Offering a fresh and insightful perspective on a longstanding yet ever-evolving phenomenon, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the African economy, gender studies, and entrepreneurship.'
Isabelle Guérin, National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), France
ISBN: 9781032795973
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 690g
264 pages