Effects of gender on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Malawi

Author: Chirwa, Ephraim

Source: Development Southern Africa, Volume 25, Number 3, September 2008 , pp. 347-362(16)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Women are increasingly venturing into ownership of micro and small enterprises, either on their own or in partnership with male entrepreneurs. Using national survey data from Malawi, this study compares the performance of enterprises owned by females with those owned by males. The results show that the relationship between gender and business performance is complex. While there are no significant differences in profit margins, female-owned enterprises tend to grow more rapidly in terms of employment than male-owned ones. Gender-based regression results also show that while there are common factors that affect the performance of both kinds of enterprise, there are also differential effects in which education is a critical factor for the success of female-owned enterprises.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03768350802212139

Affiliations: 1: Department of Economics, Chancellor College, University of Malawi, Zomba

Publication date: 2008-09-01

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