CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELLING

Abstract

The issues of women low participation, not involvement in entrepreneurial leadership and decision making have been attracting a lot of attention from scholars. This study surveyed the contributions and challenges of women in entrepreneurial leadership in Anambra State. Two purposes of study and two research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised all the career women in Anambra State. A sample of 220 respondents, which cuts across the 10 Ministries, Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO), para-statals in the area of study, was selected using convenience sampling technique. The researchers developed instrument titled “Contributions and Challenges of Career Women in Entrepreneurial Leadership Questionnaire” (CCCWELQ) comprising 14 items. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentage. The study revealed that there were contributions career women made in entrepreneurial leadership. Gender stereotype, political transition, religious philosophies, lack of self-confidence and non-extension of equal rights to all citizens to raise capital and so on were revealed as challenges career women faced in entrepreneurial leaderships in Anambra State. Finally, implications for counselling and recommendations were made. Also, it was recommended among others that career women in leadership positions should create forums where they will teach young female adults aspiring to be in any entrepreneurial leadership to develop self-confident and provide free training programmes through seminars, workshops for women in enterprises to enhance their basic management skills.