2025-04-04https://repository.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/handle/123456789/44015Genuine political democracy leads to economic freedom – resulting in the widening of the economic space. Women, who are generally not considered able to compete with men in business, when given the opportunity and room to express their professional skills and training and entrepreneurial inclinations, seem to fare well, even better. Studies have shown from the success of the Grameen Bank and other microcredit institutions that when women have access to capital and adequate support, they, their families and communities flourish. With greater call for economic freedom and gender equality, women are given the opportunity to make greater contributions to society by starting and running successful businesses. This study looked at how women affect the global economy and identified the contributions they make in business. It also examined why women start businesses, identified the challenges they face, especially in an emerging market like Nigeria, and proffered solutions to these challenges and the way forward for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.application/pdfH Social Sciences (General), HM SociologyArticle