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 Periodical article |
 Leiden University catalogue |
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| Title: | Indigenous social capital in women-led small businesses in rural Zimbabwe |
| Authors: | Miruka, Collins O. Zonge, Patience |
| Year: | 2014 |
| Periodical: | Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems |
| Volume: | 13 |
| Issue: | 1 |
| Pages: | 140-152 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Zimbabwe |
| Subjects: | rural women women entrepreneurs social networks norms gender division of labour gender inequality |
| External link: | https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC156187 |
| Abstract: | Social capital has relevance for rural women businesses as it addresses the relational dimensions of enterprises. The presence of social networks is indicative of the social capital in a business; indigenous knowledge and values are shared within these networks and attest to the type of social capital that is formed. This article discusses manifestations of social capital among women in business in rural Zimbabwe: women's positions within such networks; if they are able to access the relevant networks that can enhance their entrepreneurial activities; the quality of their participation in these networks; and also the ability of these women to tap into indigenous knowledge resources. Social capital is not gender neutral; the subordinate role of women in a patriarchal system will influence the experiences and outcomes of women led businesses with social capital. Amongst others, dependence on the permission of their husbands to participate in business ventures limits women's activities; the belief that women will cease to be obedient to their husbands if they have money discourages female enterprising; and gendered indigenous knowledge and values that discourage the mingling of women with men not their husbands or relatives constrain women's freedom of choice in associational life. Women are generally less educated than men in Zimbabwe; have fewer chances of exposure outside their community and less access to productive and economic resources; and tend to have networks that support the emphasis on the domestic duties of women. The authors recommend that women entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported to participate in networks that benefit their enterprises, regardless of men belonging to these networks as well. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |
