Women Entrepreneurship And The Covid-19 Crisis: Difficulties Or Opportunities? A Literature Review

Abstract

This article discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs globally, with a specific emphasis on the MENA region. Our main aim is to present the literature on women's experiences during the pandemic and assess its implications for their future. Moreover, we seek to emphasize the unique impact of the pandemic on women's entrepreneurship, with a focus on the vulnerability faced by those who have transitioned from borrowing to micro-enterprise ventures.

The findings indicate that female entrepreneurs suffered the most from COVID-19 containment measures, primarily due to their limited access to crucial resources, especially financial and managerial support. Poverty levels have been intensified by the pandemic, highlighting the pressing requirement to bolster microfinance institutions and empower women's entrepreneurship in MENA countries. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, female entrepreneurs have made a notable impact on the national economy by establishing start-ups and fostering the growth of small and medium-sized businesses.