Female entrepreneurs are increasingly reshaping the global entrepreneurial landscape. According to the Women-owned Businesses report by the Center for Women in Business, which analyses female entrepreneurs in the US, there is currently a growing economic phenomenon of self-employed women entrepreneurs and small business owners. This has also given rise to the coined phrase, the ‘momtrepreneur’, which is a term used to refer to stay-at-home mothers who have established their own businesses.
The same trend is emerging in South Africa, says Gugu Mjadu, executive general manager: marketing at Business Partners Limited (BUSINESS/PARTNERS). The latest GEM South Africa 2014 report reveals that opportunity-motivated Total Early-stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) amongst women has increased from 64% in 2013 to 71% in 2014.
“South African women are increasingly starting small enterprises from the comfort of their own homes. While some of these women may be required to seek self-employment for financial necessity, many are being driven by the desire of flexibility and the independence to spend more time with their children.”
“These women are increasingly finding ways to express their interests and creativity, and while doing so, they earn an income while also having the opportunity to spend time with their children”
