Competing priorities: Women’s microenterprises and household relationships

Abstract

The Policy Research Working Paper Series disseminates the findings of work in progress to encourage the exchange of ideas about development issues. An objective of the series is to get the findings out quickly, even if the presentations are less than fully polished. The papers carry the names of the authors and should be cited accordingly. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper are entirely those of the authors. They do not necessarily represent the views of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/World Bank and its affiliated organizations, or those of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent.

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“…Additional research reinforces the notion that financially empowered women are able to improve the well-being of their families (Nordstrom, Jennings, 2018). Indeed, the countries and case studies in which women have used bank accounts to save a larger share of income, invest more in their businesses, and spend more on things that benefit the entire household are known (Friedson-Ridenour, Pierotti, 2019). This is intended to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of women and children.…”

Gender Differences in Socio-Emotional Skills and Economic Outcomes: New Evidence from 17 African Countries

“…In theory, socio-emotional skills-building policies may have particularly high economic returns for women in Sub-Saharan Africa, as women face more barriers to success in the workforce and binding social norms that limit expressiveness, mobility, time, network formation, and occupational choice (Chakravarty et al, 2017). Perseverance and creativity in problem solving may be essential since women bear more responsibility for daily survival and short-term budgeting, and women may be more mentally taxed and have less financial flexibility (Friedson-Ridenour & Pierotti, 2019;Schilbach et al, 2016). Communication, persuasion, and conflict resolution skills may improve women's ability to navigate home-based barriers as they request and obtain the support of family members, influence fertility decisions, and negotiate the allocation of household assets and responsibilities.…”

Small matching grants for women entrepreneurs: lessons from the past recession

“…It is well documented that women entrepreneurs approach and run their firms differently than their male counterparts (Foss et al, 2019 ; Henry et al, 2017 ). Compared to men, women entrepreneurs are more sensitive to social, family-related, and other nonfinancial concerns that significantly influence their business choices (Ahl & Nelson, 2015 ; Cardella et al, 2020 ; Friedson-Ridenour & Pierotti, 2019 ; Henry et al, 2017 ). In particular, Berge and Pires ( 2020 , p. 897) show that time constraint is a serious obstacle for women entrepreneurs, as “the burden of domestic obligations that fall on women … necessarily restrict their capacity and potential as entrepreneurs .…”