The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs operating in the informal sector

Purpose of the study: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global effect on the world of business. Calls exist to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the informal sector, especially across businesses operated by women entrepreneurs. The study sought to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs operating in the informal sector.Design/methodology/approach: The study was split into two phases using a sequential explanatory mixed method design. The first phase was quantitative in nature, where descriptive data around the sample in view of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was generated. The second phase was qualitative in nature, and it explored the lived experiences of the sample of women entrepreneurs in the informal sector in understanding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.Findings: Based on the analysed data, three main findings emerged. First, the participating women entrepreneurs expressed concern, especially about the COVID-19 pandemic in the informal sector. Second, this impact mainly centred on cutting back. This was done by laying off their support staff component. Finally, to adjust to these challenges, the women entrepreneurs opted to take up loans to sustain their businesses. This action was actuated by a perceived lack of support for women entrepreneurs in the informal sector from the government.Recommendations/value: Support is needed to assist those operating within the informal sector, especially as part of post-recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic.Managerial implications: There is a need to provide financial and non-financial support, especially to womenowned businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic within the informal sector. These also include the provision of business management strategies in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.