Consultancy report for Women in Business Association of the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower : business women in Botswana -- strategies for change

To further that support, a study was commissioned to examine the needs and constraints of businesswomen in the country, policy issues related to their ability to obtain credit and other resources, and their access to training assistance. Study findings indicate that women entrepreneurs in Botswana are predominately found in traditional micro and small scale enterprises, although there are growing numbers of businesswomen in diverse, nontraditional enterprises as well. The constraints they face are those that hinder any small businessperson, but are intensified by additional home and child care responsibilities, women"s legal status as minors (when married), and social/cultural norms; these factors limit businesswomen"s ability to access credit and enter into legal business contracts. There is strong interest and demand for WIBA to provide networking, information dissemination, training, lobbying, and financial assistance programs for businesswomen. It can do this by expanding its membership base and becoming a more formal association (e.g., through bylaws, and establishing branches outside of Gaborone). While the membership of WIBA is committed to the association and its goals, outside technical, office, and program assistance is needed. (Author abstract, modified)