ANALYZING THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY TRAINING PROGRAMMS OF WOMEN ON THEIR SMALL-SCALE BUSINESS: A CASE STUDY OF CHISAPO MARKET.

Financial literacy has increasingly been recognized as a critical factor in enhancing the sustainability and growth of small-scale businesses, particularly those owned and managed by women. This study analyzes the role of financial literacy training programs in improving the performance of women-owned small-scale businesses at Chisapo Market. The study is motivated by the persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, including limited access to financial knowledge, inadequate record-keeping practices and weak financial decision-making skills, which often constrain business growth and profitability.
The research adopts a case study design, employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches to collect data from women traders operating at Chisapo Market. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations, while secondary data were obtained from reports, journals, and training program documents. The study assesses key aspects of financial literacy training, including budgeting, credit management, record keeping, and investment planning, and examines their influence on business performance indicators such as profitability, and business sustainability.
Findings reveal that women who participated in financial literacy training programs demonstrated improved financial management skills, better control of business finances, and increased confidence in making financial decisions. The study further indicates that trained women entrepreneurs were more likely to keep financial records, separate personal and business finances, and access formal financial services compared to those who had not received training. The study concludes that financial literacy training plays a significant role in enhancing the performance and sustainability of women-owned small-scale businesses. It recommends strengthening and expanding financial literacy programs, tailoring training content to the needs of women entrepreneurs, and promoting continuous support mechanisms to foster long-term business growth at Chisapo Market and similar trading environments.