Influence of Socio -Cultural Factors on Women Entrepreneurship Development in Benue South Education Zone C in Benue State, Nigeria

This study examines the influence of socio-cultural factors on women entrepreneurship development in Benue South Education Zone C, Benue State, Nigeria. The research specifically evaluates the influence of religious practices, societal attitudes, and literacy on women entrepreneurship development. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting a population of 575 registered women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), from which a sample of 236 respondents was selected for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the selected women entrepreneurs, with a response rate of 91% (215 out of 236 administered questionnaires). The study employed regression analysis to determine the relationship between socio-cultural factors and women entrepreneurship development. The findings reveal that all three variables significantly influence women entrepreneurship development. Specifically, societal attitudes had the highest impact (β = 0.546, p < 0.05), followed by religious practices (β = 0.375, p < 0.05), and literacy (β = 0.125, p < 0.05). These results indicate that positive socio-cultural factors enhance women's entrepreneurial participation, business performance, and enterprise sustainability. The study concludes that socio-cultural factors are critical determinants of women entrepreneurship development in Benue South Education Zone C, providing an enabling environment that supports business establishment and growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening positive religious practices, promoting supportive societal attitudes, and improving women's literacy to enhance entrepreneurial development. Future research could explore additional socio-cultural and economic factors and their broader implications for women entrepreneurship development in other regions.

Socio-cultural Factors, Religious Practices, Societal Attitudes, Literacy, Women Entrepreneurship Development.

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