The Impact of Covid-19 on Small-Scale Women Entrepreneurs In Sri K. Lanka: A Qualitative Study of the Matara Area (SK Town and Meddawatta)

Abstract

COVID-19 has impacted people across the world regardless of geographical boundaries, gender, age, and economic status. However, women have become disproportionately more vulnerable. To explore women entrepreneurs’ experiences, the difficulties they face, and the strategies they employ for the survival of their businesses, this study selected Matara district as one of the most famous coastal areas of the southern province, and Sk Town and Meddawatta as the most popular tourist destinations of this district. This qualitative research employed a purposive sample of 15 females. Data collection for this research was mainly done through interviews (face-to-face, telephone, and WhatsApp calls), participants’ observations, and cyber ethnography. All of the participants, though not hit by the virus, have been impacted by COVID-19 related social and economic problems. Although all the participants suffered loss of income, surprisingly, the pandemic led some women to focus on exploring new income-generating activities. The research shows, as narrated by the respondents, that small- and medium-scale female entrepreneurs have not received adequate attention or help for the amelioration of their plight from government-led welfare activities, including bank loan payment extensions.