Socio Economic Implications of Covid19 Pandemic to Women Entrepreneurs: A Case of t he Informal Sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of Covid 19 pandemic to women entrepreneurs in the informal sector of Zimbabwe . A qualitative study wa s condu cted in Mashonaland West prov ince in Zimbabwe . Data was collected through telephone interviews from 16 informal business women entrepreneurs in the retail sector The participants were involved businesses that include; v egetable vending , operating c lothing flea market and c ross border trad ing. The study established that business for women entrepre neurs in the informal sector were affected by inter province travelling regulations. It was also established that w omen were most affected as they are respo nsible for making sure that children are fed on daily basis. To make matters worse, some were widows and others were looking after many orphans. This to a larger extent encouraged cases of strained relationship in the home because of inadequate resources e special ly food. Cases were also repo rted of gender based violence because all members of the famil y were now spending most of their time together with little resources to use in looking after the family. Thus, health problems such as high blood pressure an d were also witnessed. The study rec ommended the government to provide protective equipment and sanitizers to women entrepreneurs and informal traders so that they can safely continue to produce, distribute and sell their merchandise. The government should assist with transport for smallhold er farmers to ferry their p roduce to markets safely. Also, the government was recommended to communicate with market leaders about how to best handle a lockdown and reopening