AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES MANAGEMENT IN URBAN ZIMBABWE: A FOCUS ON HARARE (2012-2017)

The purpose of the study was to assess the level of women participation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) management in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study used descriptive case study research design in which both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed hence mixed method. It used non-probability sampling in two broad forms judgemental and convenience sampling. The study area was conveniently based on the geographical location, and in each location, businesses with women or owned by women as judged by the researcher were sampled. The sample was made up of 138 women entrepreneurs in Harare. Individual factors have an influence on women participation in SMEs management in Harare as revealed by the findings, in as much as socio-cultural factors impact on entrepreneurial activities by women. The individual factors manifested responses in which some women individually lacked confidence of participating in significant managerial roles preferring male dominance over them especially in matters that appeared to have high risks for high returns. The study reveals a three-pronged handicap for women's level of participation and recommends that women should be empowered to access enterprise information, marketing facilities which men entrepreneurs acquire and be positive about their ability.