The Contribution of Women Entrepreneurs to the Establishment of Small Enterprises in Wadi Hadramout

Abstract

This research paper aims to evaluate the contribution of women entrepreneurs to the establishment of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Wadi Hadramout. The research problem revolves around a main question: "To what extent do women entrepreneurs contribute to the creation of small and medium enterprises in Hadramout?" The study specifically analyzes the support and financing mechanisms provided by the "Hadramout Small Credit Program" from May 2000 to December 2025. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to examine the program's statistical data.

The statistical results revealed that by the end of 2025، the total number of loans reached 54،867، valued at over 30.3 billion Yemeni Rials. Women accounted for 38% of the total number of loans compared to 62% for men، while the actual volume of finance allocated to women did not exceed 19% (approximately 5.7 billion Rials). However، when excluding consumer loans، the data showed that 85% of the total loans granted to women were directed toward establishing and developing enterprises، compared to only 65% for men.

This reflects women's high capacity to rationalize spending and direct income toward developmental and productive activities. The study concludes with several recommendations، including the necessity of developing the personal and organizational skills of women entrepreneurs and raising the credit ceilings for women's financing to overcome financial and social constraints.