4.2 The profile of growth-oriented women: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

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References: Learning to change: Skills development among the economically vulnerable and socially excluded in developing countries - By International Labour Organization

Since recent statistics disaggregated by sex are not available, it is not possible to
estimate how many women among informal economy enterprises and SMEs are
operating growth firms, or how many of them have medium-sized enterprises.

However, the growth rate of women-owned MSEs appears to be very low – indeed
much lower than that of male-owned enterprises (UDEC, 2002). This further reinforces
the stereotype that that women are only able to function at the micro-enterprise level. The
Preliminary Report on Women in Tanzania (UDEC, 2002) stated:

Most women are said to have little or no interest in or commitment to business activities and
the entrepreneurial career. They are also said to have limited motivation for developing their
activities to more sustainable and profitable levels. It has been noted that women prefer to
develop several micro-enterprises, rather than develop existing businesses into small and
medium sized enterprises.

Several entrepreneurs interviewed during the field visit fit this model. However,
evidence confirms that women entrepreneurs are not all the same. The ILO (2003) study
found that women who expand their firms have a different profile from others. Most
started as micro-enterprisers but were very committed to the development of their businesses from the beginning. The majority had completed at least secondary education,
had previous employment experience or previously owned a business, were married to
men with relatively high levels of education and professional, managerial or
entrepreneurial jobs, and had access to financial resources and networks. The majority
had attended management and entrepreneurship training courses and/or technical training
and often participated in trade fairs. The majority plan to expand their enterprises and
demonstrate growth aspirations.

Women entrepreneurs in the ILO growth study also demonstrated a high incidence
of multiple-ownership; 30 per cent of the sample operated two enterprises and 16 per
cent had more than two. They employed an average of 9.7 employees in their enterprises
(total of 983 jobs); less than 5 per cent employed more than 20 people. Almost 80 per
cent of their enterprises had some form of business licence, and 90 per cent had bank
accounts.

1.2 Mission Objectives: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

8.0 Promotion of women’s entrepreneurship: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

4.0 The state of women’s enterprises in Tanzania: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

1.1 Background and Introduction: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

1.3 Methodology: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

10.0 Training – business management and technical skills: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

16.0 Closing comments: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

6.1 The informal sector: Gender Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Africa 2007

7.0 Policy/programme coordination and leadership: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

Franchise Businesses Appeal to Women Entrepreneurs

Wanted: jobs for Africa’s youth - Broadening consultation

Women Business Owners Continue to Thrive

Women Small Business Loans

Women Entrepreneurs Are Changing The World

5.4 Inclusion of women in the SME Development Policy: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

Business Coaching For Women Entrepreneurs Is On The Rise

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References: Learning to change: Skills development among the economically vulnerable and socially excluded in developing countries - By International Labour Organization

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As the world's only tripartite multilateral agency, the ILO is dedicated to bringing decent work and livelihoods, job-related security and better living standards to the people of both poor and rich countries. It helps to attain those goals by promoting rights at work, encouraging opportunities for decent employment, enhancing social protection and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues. The ILO is the international meeting place for the world of work. We are the experts on work and employment and particularly on the critical role that these issues play in bringing about economic development and progress. At the heart of our mission is helping countries build the institutions that are the bulwarks of democracy and to help them become accountable to the people. The ILO formulates international labour standards in the form of Conventions and Recommendations setting minimum standards of basic labour rights: freedom of association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, abolition of forced labour, equality of opportunity and treatment and other standards addressing conditions across the entire spectrum of work-related issues.
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4.2 The profile of growth-oriented women: Support for Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania, 2005

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