Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Business Sector in Tikapur City, Nepal

Abstract

The main aim of this research work is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on female
entrepreneurs in informal entrepreneurial activities in Tikapur City, Nepal. This study used a quantitative
approach and descriptive research design. The structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 30
respondents among female entrepreneurs operating small, unofficial businesses such as street food sellers,
petty retailers, and street vegetable and fruit vendors. The results show that the growth in the cost of health
care was a major factor that affected the economic condition of female entrepreneurs in informal businesses.
Similarly, a decrease in business sales was also found to be a problematic factor, followed by an increase in
educational costs, a decrease in income level, a decline in the source of income, an increase in the cost of
goods and services, and a reduction in working hours. Moreover, the policy of government maintaining
physical distance affected the sales of informal businesses. Therefore, it can be concluded that the COVID19 pandemic has negatively affected the socioeconomic situation of women entrepreneurs. The study was
limited to examining the effects of COVID-19 on female business owners in the unorganized business sector
in Tikapur City, Nepal. This study could be a landmark for researchers, policymakers, and female
entrepreneurs involved in informal businesses. The unique contribution of the study is to explore effect of
Pandemic on women entrepreneurs in the informal business sector of Tikapur City Nepal.