IMPACT OF WOMEN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS ON MICRO-ENTERPRISES SURVIVAL DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Global economy activities, especially as it concerns the micro-small and medium enterprises (MSME), have been affected by the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social entrepreneurs are, however, leading efforts to combat the pandemic’s economic menace. Therefore, this study examines the impact of women social entrepreneurs on the survival of micro-enterprises in Nigeria. A survey research design was utilized covering micro-enterprises in Lagos state, which houses Nigeria’s highest number of MSMEs. A random sampling method was used to administer a structured questionnaire to 1537 managers and owners in the selected micro-enterprises. The descriptive and regression analysis result revealed that women social entrepreneurs played critical roles during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, as they were able to alleviate poverty to an extent, involved in environmental sustainability, create jobs and enhance human capital development. The results reveal that women social entrepreneurs ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) significantly affect micro-enterprises’ survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further results showed that the need to eradicate poverty, the desire to make the society a better place, empathy and the desire to make money are the driving factors of women social entrepreneurs. The study concludes that women social entrepreneurs significantly impact micro-enterprises’ survival during COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommends a combination of laws facilitating women’s social entrepreneurship with multiple activities to establish and diversify micro-enterprises’ supply.