Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the entrepreneurial intention of women in a South African province. The study employed a quantitative, exploratory research design, utilising a self-administered survey of 200 women in South Africa’s North West province. A non-probability sampling approach was followed. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) by means of an exploratory factor analysis, Pearson’s product-moment correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that moderate entrepreneurial intentions exist among women in the North West province. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy was found to yield the greatest influence on entrepreneurial intention, followed by risk-taking attributes and cultural perspectives. It also emerged that attitudes towards entrepreneurship, cultural perspectives, risk-taking and self-efficacy had a significant and positive relationship with entrepreneurial intention. There was no statistical difference in entrepreneurial intention in terms of age, educational qualifications and employment status. The study provides guidelines for governmental and non-governmental role players in harnessing and promoting entrepreneurial intention among women. The study provides insights into the existence of entrepreneurial intention in a rural setting in South Africa, which has been neglected in literature. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on entrepreneurial intention in South Africa. The findings can be used to guide policy interventions as they highlight factors which should be integrated into programmes enhancing women’s entrepreneurial intention.