Self-employment preferences among university graduates in Ghana: Does gender make a difference?

Abstract

This study examines self-employment preferences among university graduates in Ghana, with particular attention to gender differences. Drawing on a sample of 1,180 graduates undertaking National Service, the research explores willingness to pursue self-employment and the factors associated with those preferences. The findings show that women graduates were less likely than men to prefer self-employment, while the factors associated with those preferences also differed by gender. The study highlights how unequal constraints and family responsibilities can shape employment preferences and labour-market outcomes.