Gender and Family Roles: An Analysis of Performance of Small and Micro Enterprises in Kabundaire and Mpanga Markets, Fort Portal Tourism City, Uganda

Do gender and family roles affect the performance of small scale business in Uganda? In view of addressing this question, this study was carried out to examine the effect of gender and family roles on performance of small micro enterprises basing on entrepreneurs in two of Fort Portal's main markets (Mpanga and Kabundaire). Observational cross-sectional case study design was adopted to study the gender factors, family roles and performance of Small and Micro Enterprises in Kabundaire and Mpanga markets. By employing simple random and stratified sampling techniques, 278 market vendors were sampled. Primary data was collected using open and closed ended self-administered questionnaires and interview guide. Findings revealed that family roles and gender factors have a negative effect on monthly income of household entrepreneurship in Kabundaire and Mpanga markets. The paper unveiled certain gender-based obstacles and challenges and motivation factors for business startup and growth. The study is relevant in that it unveils a gendered problem to entrepreneurial success in developing countries. Its significance can also be seen in causing policy changes across different government entities charged with reducing gender gaps in trade. Specifically, it contributes to gender-based existing entrepreneurship research that calls for action on gender differences in business operations i.e extent of accessing training opportunities, business experience, conflicting marital roles, access to finance challenges, social discrimination and stereotyping, access to markets.