Project Title

Entrepreneurship for Women Empowerment: A counter-narrative of women in Sub-Saharan Africa

Project Lead

Dr Bridget Irene
Dr Bridget Irene
bridget.irene@dmu.ac.uk

Project Objectives

Book Chapter - Palgrave Handbook

Project Phase

Review process

Expected Completion

June 2025

Project Summary

Entrepreneurship has long been heralded as a path to empowerment for women, particularly in regions where traditional gender roles and economic barriers limit opportunities. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the narrative often focuses on the struggles and limitations women face. However, there is a powerful counter-narrative that highlights resilience, innovation, and the transformative impact of female entrepreneurship. This study presents a counter-narrative of female entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), challenging traditional narratives that emphasize barriers and vulnerabilities. It highlights the resilience, innovation, and significant economic contributions of women entrepreneurs in the region. The counter-narrative showcases how women leverage limited resources to build sustainable businesses, create jobs, and drive sector diversification, often in non-traditional fields such as technology and agribusiness. It also examines the role of entrepreneurship in transforming social and cultural norms, fostering gender equality, and providing women with agency and economic independence. Through case studies and policy implications, the study underscores the importance of inclusive policies, gender-sensitive support systems, and the recognition of women's achievements to further amplify their impact on sustainable development in SSA.

Project Collaborators

Reaerch Lab -1
Chinyere Ibeji
chiebeji@yahoo.com
Dr Siona Ndeh
Dr Siona Ndeh
sional2002@yahoo.com