Female entrepreneurs in a transitional economy

This paper highlights the position and role of female entrepreneurs in the economic development of Nigeria, In the past, the significant contribution of women in sustaining socio‐economic wellbeing of their families has been neglected and taken for granted by the society as a whole. This has resulted not only in gross underestimation of women's socio‐economic contribution to the economy, but also in the under‐utilisation of women's tremendous socio‐economic potentials in the Nigerian business environment. The aim of this research is to examine these and other related questions using literature search, questionnaire survey and structured interviews with businesswomen in Nigeria. The research result has indicated that the greatest challenge for Nigerian women in business is being taken seriously by their male counterparts, as well as in society as a whole. The greatest reward of business ownership for women is in gaining control over their own working lives.