Experiences of Somali Women Enterpreneurs in South Africa

Abstract

The involvement of Somali women migrants in trade within South Africa has attracted antagonism and gender-based violence from a section of black South Africans. The phobia, predominantly directed at Somali women, complicates their social and economic integration and consequently hinders sustainable entrepreneurship among refugee women. This study seeks to answer two questions: (1) What Afriphobia-related barriers hinder sustainable entrepreneurship and economic empowerment of Somali women refugees in South Africa? (2) What strategies could Somali women adopt to forge sustainable social and economic integration and development to curb Afriphobia? This qualitative study comprised forty purposively selected subjects and was anchored on social network theory and feminist intersectionality. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used to gather data. The study area was Gauteng, which harbours the largest population of Somali women and is sporadically affected by significant Afriphobia. This Chapter advances the idea that Somali women possess numerous untapped potentials and skills that could enhance their sustainable development and socioeconomic integration in South Africa. It postulates that empowering refugee women through creating an enabling environment is a prerequisite to sustainable economic development for migrant entrepreneurs.