The objective of this study is to explore the Opportunities, Challenges and Coping Mechanismsrnof Women Micro and Small Scale Enterprise owners in manufacturing sub- sector in Gullelernsub-city, Addis Ababa. The study specifically covers metal works and leather and leatherrnproduct sub-sector. The researcher has used a qualitative research method and the research isrnexploratory in type. The study used in-depth interviews, observation and key informantsrninterview to generate relevant data. Secondary data was also collected from relevant sourcesrnincluding government reports and official statistics. Two sub-sectors namely metal work andrnengineering and leather and leather products were selected through purposive sampling. A totalrnof 11 MSEs owners who were engaged in the two sub-sectors in the sub-city at the time of thernstudy were considered in the study. Findings of the study reveal that the conducive policies andrnprograms, increased recognition of MSEâ€™s development as key for economic development, MSEsrnas job creation opportunities and Institutional set-up are among the major opportunities forrnwomen in MSEs. The challenges faced by women-owned MSEs are Lack of Adequate Finance,rnLack of Working Site/Premises, and lack access to adequate market, Work-life Balance, lack ofrnnetworking, and socio-cultural challenges. The major coping strategies adopted by the womenrninclude resorting to saving form personal income through rotating saving institutions (Iqub),rnborrowing from family, friends, and women association and expanding their networks.rnTherefore, the government, women business owner themselves, and society should work tornimprove the challenges faced by the women business owners in manufacturing sectors.