Challenges faced by women-owned SMEs in Bushbuckridge local municipality A feminist inquiry into structural, cultural, and economic barriers

Traditionally, the business landscape has been male-dominated; however, recent trends indicate a notable rise in female entrepreneurs within rural regions of South Africa. Women-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality encounter various challenges, including issues with financing, access to education and training, gender bias, business skills development, and maintaining a work-life balance. Women entrepreneurs frequently encounter challenges in balancing their professional and family obligations due to numerous domestic duties and responsibilities. Their long-term business success may be jeopardised by these challenges. This study seeks to examine the challenges encountered by women-owned SMEs, focussing on the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality as the area of investigation. The investigation employed a qualitative approach to gather and examine the data. The investigation employed a semi-structured interview guide for data collection and utilised a thematic content analysis method to examine both empirical and secondary data. A snowball sampling technique was employed to identify appropriate participants, resulting in the successful sampling of forty (N=40) individuals in 2024. The findings indicated that the majority of participants had achieved their matriculation (grade 12) qualifications; however, they conveyed a desire for further skills and training in entrepreneurship to enhance their business management and growth. A significant number of women reported encountering various forms of discrimination, including being advised to stay at home and care for their husbands and children due to their gender. Women-owned businesses encounter barriers in obtaining resources, networks, and opportunities when compared to their male counterparts. The analysis suggests that businesses owned by women ought to receive equal opportunities as those owned by men. It is essential to enhance the capabilities of women-owned businesses by providing resources including technology, financial support, and training in sustainable business development. In conclusion, the study emphasises the importance of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality acknowledging the contributions of women-owned SMEs and offering the essential support needed to address unemployment in the region. In the process of awarding tenders, it is essential for municipalities to guarantee the inclusion of women on the board of directors, in accordance with the stipulations set forth by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act Amendment 42 of 2013. Key Words:Feminist, Gender Discrimination; Entrepreneurship; Resources; Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); Women-owned businesses