Compared to other continents of
the world, sub-Sahara Africa has the highest number of female entrepreneurs.
These women entrepreneurs are
mostly owners of small businesses that we see around our communities which subsequently
grow to large enterprises serving the unmet needs of their homes and consumers.
This proofs that female
entrepreneurs can run businesses that are equally profitable with a higher rate
of corporate social responsibility as their male counterparts.
A socio-economic conscious
business environment, that includes full support of women entrepreneurs could
potentially bring millions out of poverty and reduce this income gap –
especially if the make-up of the entrepreneurial community will mirror the
makeup of the community of customers (male and female) around the globe.
A couple of weeks back, I had
the opportunity to sample the opinion of some budding extra-ordinary female
entrepreneurs whose courage is helping to fill the gap in female empowerment
and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Their opinion resonate the need
for more investment in businesses owned by female entrepreneurs and why they
think it is time for other young female entrepreneurs to take charge Africa
business.
Women have always played a key role in Africa’s growth
“Africa is definitely rising
and women have always played a key role in that growth. There has never been a
better time to be an entrepreneur from and working on the continent. The next
growth opportunity in many sectors will come from Africa and that is a
fantastic opportunity for us as women especially in non-traditional sectors for
example Entertainment, Retail, Agriculture and Technology sectors. These are
huge opportunities of a lifetime and I foresee more women taking up the mantle
and leading this new generation enterprises.” - Oyindamola Honey Oyediyi of Fashpa.com
Women
are the corner stone of African economic development
“Women are the corner stone of African
economic development and are currently underrepresented. I think it’s time for
a balance in the business arena throughout the continent. Women hold dynamic
and valuable characteristics which are an asset to the business terrain.” - Banke Kuku (Banke Kuku Textiles)
Times
have changed...It is time for women to bring fresh ideas
Women have the same rights than
men, it's high time for us to realize that, break the traditions and take power
on our fears & destiny. If a woman dares to dream BIG, she can achieve her
dreams. - Nour Drissi of Loue 1 Voiture
Women
have the power
“The fact that women control
the majority of the purchasing decisions in the household means they have
greater influence in the market and ultimately the economy. Women have the
power.
I believe that regardless of
the past injustices, at this stage we are at a point where we have accumulated
a sufficient amount of evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt that women
are the future leaders of Africa. Africa needs a Triple Bottom line focus,
responsible entrepreneurship and women entrepreneurs are the answer.” - Kega-Florence Mukwevho of MVP Fast Foods
Natural
leaders and consensus builders
Women are natural listeners,
problem solvers, and consensus builders. These strengths lend themselves to
unlocking some of the strains on Africa's development, particularly as it
relates to inclusive growth. Beyond this fact, women and girls in Africa,
especially in rural areas, still face inequities in access to education, finance,
and opportunity. A bold set of women entrepreneurs who also reach back and work
with these communities provide tangible examples of the capacity of women to
have a seat at the decision making table and illuminate the possibilities for
all women and girls across the continent and in its diaspora. - Cherae Robinson, CEO of Rare Customs.
Poverty
reduction and economic empowerment
“Female entrepreneurs have been
recognised as an important source of economic growth as they create self
employment opportunities for themselves and others, and provide society with
different solutions to management, organisation and business problems.
With the new wind of air
blowing throughout the continent and organisations connecting female entrepreneurs
across the continent with networks, sources of capital, operational know-how,
female entrepreneurs have no excuse than to take advantage of the new windows
of opportunities as female entrepreneurs have the ability to make a
particularly strong contribution to the economic well-being of the family and
communities, poverty reduction and women’s empowerment, thus contributing to
the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).” -
Winnifred Selby, Co-founder Afrocentric Bamboo Limited.
Originally written for Ventures Africa
