Nigerian Journal of Banking and Financial Issues (NJBFI)

Women Entrepreneurs And Sustainable Development Goals (Sdgs) In Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effect of women entrepreneurs on sustainable development goals in Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the effect of women entrepreneurial development on income inequality out of seventeen developmental goals which are, gender equality, poverty reduction, equitable education, etc. in Nigeria. This study was carried out among women entrepreneurs in micro enterprises in different states in Nigeria captured by Nigeria Bureau of Statistic and SMEDAN. An empirical was conducted using a time series from 1990 to 2019. Secondary data from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, World Bank database, International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and SMEDAN. Data were analyzed using fully modified ordinary least regression estimates. The result of the analysis of the effect of women entrepreneurial activities on reduction of income inequality in Nigeria showed that women entrepreneurial development was positive and significant (β₀ = 0.376, t =4.529; p = 0.0001 < 0.05). The result also showed that female secondary school enrolment was negative but significant (β₀ = -0.0483, t =-9.3706; p = 0.0009< 0.05). The study concluded that income as indicators of sustainable development tested was found to influenced significantly by women entrepreneurial development. The study recommended that Government should discourage gender disparities and inequality in our society. Entrepreneurship workshops, seminars and conferences in collaboration with states and local government should be encouraged specifically for women entrepreneurs in order to encourage business start-up and those in micro, small and medium enterprises.