A Review of the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the positive and negative impacts the Covid-19 pandemic has on women entrepreneurs in South Africa. The chapter recognises the role that women entrepreneurs play in the economy and society. The research objectives for this study were to first identify the importance of female entrepreneurs. Secondly, to determine the positive and negative impacts that Covid-19 has had on South African women entrepreneurs, and lastly, to identify the assistance provided to women entrepreneurs by the government. The methodology used to conduct research was desktop research. Information was collected from online databases in the form of articles, journals and textbooks. Only information relevant to the research objective was selected for this study. The findings revealed that female entrepreneurs play a vital role in the South African economy by creating employment opportunities, decreasing poverty and contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP). The findings revealed that lockdown restrictions implemented by the government due to Covid-19 led to many women-owned businesses not being able to operate, a decrease in sales, a drastic drop in revenue, lack of digital knowledge among women, increase in anxiety experienced by women and women entrepreneurs. The findings also suggest a lack of digital knowledge among women entrepreneurs and a lack of financial assistance provided by the government. Regulators and policymakers are challenged to invest in efforts that create an environment where female entrepreneurs are capacitated and provided with information to withstand the challenges brought by the pandemic.