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In recent years, women’s entrepreneurial activity has been recognized as a
significant
component of economic development. This paper therefore, examines the influence of
male and female entrepreneurship on employment generation in Nigeria. This study is based on
data drawn from the 2011, 2012 and 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) and National
Bureau of Statistics. Descriptive Statistics, ttest
and regression method of analysis were used for
analyses. Findings show that women involvement in Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) increased
over the period under review (20112013)
but the rate of change was about 4% which is considered
low. Also, most women are necessity entrepreneurs while majority of the men are opportunity
entrepreneurs. Pertinent in this finding is that necessity entrepreneurs increased by 25% in
year 2012 but reduced by 10% in 2013. Young women entrepreneurs involved in TEA are high
compared with their male counterparts. Majority of male and female involved in TEA were in their
active age. Income and work status significantly influenced both male and female TEA but age and
education significantly affected male TEA and female TEA respectively. Lastly, majority (80%) of
the entrepreneurs are low growth oriented. Therefore, this study recommends that young
entrepreneurs especially women should be encouraged by government through availability and
accessibility to resources that will be needed to grow their businesses.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship; Employment generation; Gender; Necessity Entrepreneur; Opportunity
Entrepreneur