Abstract:
This study investigated the role of women entrepreneurs in the socio-economic development of Rwanda, focusing on women entrepreneurs in the Kigali City Market from 2021 to 2024. The study objective is to assess the impact of women entrepreneurs on social development, to analyze their contribution to economic growth, and identify key challenges they face within the Kigali City market. The methodology adopted in conducting the study, a mixed-methods approach was adopted, simple random sampling was used in selecting the sample, with data collected through questionnaires, and interviews. The study revealed that women entrepreneurs significantly contribute to income generation, job creation, community development, education, healthcare access, and overall quality of life in Kigali City. However, they face challenges such as limited access to financial resources, balancing business and family responsibilities, insufficient market information, high competition, inadequate infrastructure, and gender-related cultural barriers. The study recommends enhancing access to financial resources, establishing training programs, improving infrastructure, promoting gender sensitivity, and facilitating better access to market information to support women entrepreneurs in Kigali.
