Publication Details
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of women entrepreneurship on the savings behaviour of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Despite the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurial activities, their savings habits remain underdeveloped, limiting business growth and economic empowerment. The research aims to examine how entrepreneurial factors specifically creativity, access to government financing, and entrepreneurial knowledge affect women’s savings practices. Guided by Liberal Feminist Theory, which emphasizes gender equality and the removal of societal barriers, the study posits that enhancing access to resources and opportunities for women can improve their savings behaviour and overall entrepreneurial resilience. The population comprised 1,353 women entrepreneurs across all 21 LGAs, from which a sample of 287 was selected using Krejcie and Morgan’s formula out of which 274 was finally used for the study. Data collected through structured questionnaires were analyzed via SPSS, employing descriptive statistics and ANOVA. Results indicated significant relationships: creativity (F=10.332, p<0.05), government financing (F=8.543, p<0.05), and entrepreneurial knowledge (F=11.547, p<0.05) all positively influence savings behaviour among women entrepreneurs. These findings highlights the importance of policy interventions that improve access to financial services, entrepreneurial training, and supportive environments for women. The study concludes that empowering women through targeted support and resource accessibility enhances their savings capacity, which is vital for sustainable SME development. It recommends establishing accessible microcredit schemes, fostering an enabling business environment, and intensifying NGO and government efforts to promote women’s financial independence. Implementing these measures is crucial for fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and advancing gender equality in Nigeria.