Women entrepreneurship in South Africa: peculiarities of stress

Mental health is a growing concern in the realm of entrepreneurship.Whilst entrepreneurs in general are prone to mental health challenges associated with the pressures of running a business, women face unique stressors that are passed across generations.Women in entrepreneurship are vulnerable to stress more than their male counterparts due to specific challenges they face because of their gender.Accordingly, they need strategies to cope with that stress to promote positive performance for their businesses.This study adopted a qualitative approach to explore coping strategies implemented by women in entrepreneurship to address intergenerational stress.A sample of 14 female entrepreneurs participated in this study, and data were collected using a semi-structured schedule.Findings from the study indicate that women in entrepreneurship understand the concept of mental health.Furthermore, the study established that challenges such as lack of mentors, limited access to finance, work and family balance, as well as religious and cultural stereotypes, trigger feelings of stress among women in entrepreneurship.The study further established that female entrepreneurs utilise strategies such as networking, seeking mentorship, exercising, spirituality, and time management.The study recommends that government agencies and policymakers develop gender-sensitive networking and mentorship platforms that emphasise breaking the intergenerational cycle of stress.Furthermore, the entrepreneurship development initiative needs to incorporate time and stress management training for women.Lastly, cultural and religious leaders, along with entrepreneurship ecosystems, should promote inclusive policies and reduce stigma for women who balance multiple roles.The study offers novel and original insights into how intergenerational stress is transmitted between generations of female entrepreneurs.Furthermore, the study highlights gender specific coping strategies that female entrepreneurs use to address intergenerational stress.