Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Business Paradigms: A Mauritian Perspective

Gender dynamics play a significant role in economic activities across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Mauritius where traditional gender roles intersect with modern business practices. The research employs qualitative interviews and secondary data analysis to explore the experiences of women entrepreneurs versus their male counterparts, focusing on entrepreneurship rates and sectoral distribution. Women in Mauritius face barriers such as limited access to financing and networks, leading to lower entrepreneurial activity compared to men. Specifically, only 25% of self-employed individuals are female, highlighting a significant gender gap. Despite progress, persistent gender inequalities hinder the full participation of women in the Mauritian business ecosystem, necessitating targeted interventions to promote gender equality and economic empowerment. Implementing gender-sensitive training programmes for entrepreneurs and creating more inclusive financial markets are recommended to bridge this gap. Additionally, fostering a culture that values diverse leadership is crucial.