Lucy Banda and Chimwemwe Ngoma
Introduction: Women’s engagement in self-employment is an important component of economic development, yet their experiences and challenges in this sector are often overlooked. This study explores the experiences of women involved in self-employment in Mzuzu City, Malawi, focusing on the challenges and benefits of their economic participation.
Methodology: The study employed a mixed methodology, utilizing a sequential explanatory research design to investigate the experiences of 25 women engaged in self-employment activities in Mzuzu City. This design involved initially collecting and analyzing quantitative data through structured questionnaires, followed by the collection and thematic analysis of qualitative data from in-depth interviews.
Results: The majority of women in self-employment were aged 31-45, with limited access to education. Many were single parents or widowed, driven by the need to support their families. Challenges included restricted access to capital and markets, difficulties in balancing business and family, high taxes, intense competition, and exposure to gender-based
violence. Despite these hurdles, self-employment contributed to household food security, reduced dependence on men, and empowered women in family decision-making.
Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by women in self-employment in Mzuzu City. The findings call for inclusive economic policies and support systems to promote women's self-reliance and financial independence, benefiting both gender equality and economic growth in Malawi.