Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has created varying degrees of social and economic
consequences across different social groups in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri
Lanka took several steps to reduce the spread of the virus by imposing travel
restrictions and strict health guidelines. However, the threat of the virus continues to
affect the economic activities of certain vulnerable groups in the country. In the face
of this life-threatening pandemic, women-owned small businesses have experienced
varying effects. This research examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
women-owned small businesses. The objectives of the study are to find out which
factors cause uneven impacts to these women-owned small businesses during the
third phase of the pandemic and to find out solutions to revive the businesses of the
most vulnerable women business owners. This study is based on qualitative data,
collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews from a target sample of 15
women who run their own business within the Kandy municipal area. Findings of the
study include the factors which cause uneven impacts, such as, the level of human
capital of the target group, use and access to digital technology in the business, marital
status and the socio-economic background of the women business owners. With the
identification of these factors, the study also highlights the need for effective policies
to revive and support women-owned small businesses by providing them with the
knowledge to manage businesses at times of crisis, and also by providing them
effective financial assistance.
