An Assessment of the Cultural Constraints Affecting Women’s Performance in Small Scale Businesses: Case of Shiraqle Market in Hargeisa, Somaliland

Abstract

Small scale businesses have been recognised by many Governments as a sector that boosts economic growth of a country and alleviates poverty of families. The Purpose of this study was to assess the cultural constraints which affect women carrying out small scale businesses in Shiraqle market, in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Social feminist theory was used to explain the relationship between the independent and the dependent variables. The total population of the study comprised of 500 small scale business women in Shiraqle market in Hargeisa, Somaliland and the study derived a sample size of fifty (50). The study`s sampling technique that was used was purposive sampling. Data collection was done by use of the Likert scale questionnaire and regression analysis was done to determine the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables by the aid of the SPSS. The study made the following conclusions: women carrying out small scale businesses in Shiraqle market in Hargeisa, Somaliland lack the capacity to make economic decisions at the family level and thus cannot decide to reinvest profits into their small businesses to expand the business without consulting their spouses or even freely spend their business profits without the knowledge of the husband. They are also hindered by their male relatives from travelling far and wide to look for stocks for their businesses, unless if they are accompanied by a male relative. The male dominant culture is an hindrance to the performance and growth of women`s small scale businesses in Hargeisa, Somaliland.