Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal Volume 24, Issue 3, 2018 1 1528-2686-24-3-167 AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES MANAGEMENT IN URBAN ZIMBABWE: A FOCUS ON HARARE (2012-2017) Daniel Chigudu, University of South Africa ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to assess the level of women participation in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) management in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study used descriptive case study research design in which both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed hence mixed method. It used non-probability sampling in two broad forms judgemental and convenience sampling. The study area was conveniently based on the geographical location, and in each location, businesses with women or owned by women as judged by the researcher were sampled. The sample was made up of 138 women entrepreneurs in Harare. Individual factors have an influence on women participation in SMEs management in Harare as revealed by the findings, in as much as socio-cultural factors impact on entrepreneurial activities by women. The individual factors manifested responses in which some women individually lacked confidence of participating in significant managerial roles preferring male dominance over them especially in matters that appeared to have high risks for high returns. The study reveals a three-pronged handicap for women's level of participation and recommends that women should be empowered to access enterprise information, marketing facilities which men entrepreneurs acquire and be positive about their ability. Keywords: Assessment, Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Women Participation, Zimbabwe. INTRODUCTION Arguably, women in small and medium enterprises characterise much uncharted employment creation sources in developing economies and developed countries alike. However, challenges obtain that militate against entrepreneurship among women. These challenges manifest mainly through lack of policy formulation that favour women, insufficient training and inadequate credit facilities coupled with national legal constraints. The disparity obtaining between men and women in this regard has been recorded by the World Economic Forum (WEF 2017). Not much headway has been noted in bridging the economic gap concerning men and women, although not all hope is lost. Innovative initiatives are available to stimulate entrepreneurship for women as propelled by both the public and private sectors with marked increase. Today, women-owned enterprises now play a pivotal role economically worldwide. Their number continues to grow, representing a substantial part of employment creation and potential for commercial growth. According to the MasterCard (2013), women stand as more inclined to better management of budgets and also at decision-making financially that have a bearing on families. GPFI (2011) estimated that in developing economies, Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owned by women signify 31 to 38 %.