A Look into the Impact of Syrian Refugees on Women-Owned Micro and Small Enterprises in Jordan

Abstract

Jordan has experienced an unprecedented refugee crisis since 2011, adding to the country' s burdens due to the scarcity of resources and previous waves of asylum seekers. Although micro and small enterprises (MSEs) aim to empower women, specifically regarding achieving the UN' s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, there is very little research focus on this type of enterprise and how refugees impact MSEs' sustainability. Purpose: This paper investigates how Syrian refugees impact Jordanian women-owned MSEs' sustainability. Design: The study used case studies and qualitative interviews with 24 female entrepreneurs whose enterprises did or did not achieve sustainability; five experts were also interviewed. Findings: No significant negative impact of refugees on women' s MSEs was found. Original: This study offers a unique perspective by filling an academic gap in the research on the influence refugees have on women' s MSEs. Implications: Further studies are recommended to build a solid database of female entrepreneurs.