International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors which motivate women's informal micro-entrepreneurship in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach – The qualitative analysis employed in this paper is based upon empirical findings from field work conducted in the state of Penang on the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In total, 39 hawkers (petty traders) were interviewed using an interview guide which contained open-ended questions regarding work-life history, labor market choices and conditions of work. The paper presents two selected case stories, as well as the general findings across the whole sample.

Findings – In contrast to the view that women's informal micro-entrepreneurship is motivated only by “involuntary exclusion from the labor market” or “poverty”, this paper has found that women's micro-entrepreneurship can be motivated by a wide range of factors including: to earn an income; interest in doing business; increased flexibility and autonomy; possibility to combine with family obligations; and re-negotiating spatial practices. Conclusive with previous studies it also argues that necessity and choice may be “co-present” in the motives to enter into entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications – The limited sample of this study has implications for the generalizability of results. Further studies into the women's micro-entrepreneurial activities in Malaysia are therefore encouraged.

Social implications – Women's micro-entrepreneurship is increasingly being promoted as a way to create growth and development (particularly through micro-credit schemes). Increasing knowledge around motivational factors, performance and conditions of work for women informal micro-entrepreneurs is therefore important when trying to establish appropriate policies.

Originality/value – There are very few studies in the Malaysian context which focus upon women's informal micro-entrepreneurship in general and hawking in particular. This study therefore presents new knowledge around women's informal micro-entrepreneurship in Malaysia.