African Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy

Book excerpt: This book analyzes the significant obstacles facing women traders in marketplaces in Ghana and proposes policy recommendations that would enhance economic development. The editors first characterize these challenges as jolts and develop a comprehensive typology of jolts that the market women face. They then provide a detailed analysis of the social justice implications associated with the jolts. Next, subject area experts thoroughly depict the different types of jolts that market women face and highlight current policies and strategies used by national and local government authorities to deal with these jolts. Finally, the editors highlight recommended policies and strategies that can be used to successfully address the effects of the various jolts encountered by market women. Women traders operating in the Ghanaian marketplace unquestionably play a significant role in the development of the national economy. This book, therefore, aims to raise awareness of these jolts, identify several recommendations to mitigate them, and, by so doing, help address social injustices and aid in national development.