Examining the Effects of the Pandemic on Entrepreneurial Activities among Urban Single Mothers: An Exploratory Study

Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim, Norzarina Md Yatim () and Salmi Md Zahid
Additional contact information
Abdullah Sallehhuddin Abdullah Salim: Faculty of Accountancy and Management, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Malaysia
Norzarina Md Yatim: Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya 63100, Malaysia
Salmi Md Zahid: Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya 63100, Malaysia

IJFS, 2024, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: This study was conducted in Malaysia to examine the effectiveness of the microfinance programme for urban single mother entrepreneurs in MSMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO). Implemented as a response to the pandemic, the MCO significantly disrupted businesses, particularly MSMEs. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between empowerment factors (economic, social, digital, and psychological) and governance aspects concerning the effectiveness of microfinance programmes. Using a positivist paradigm and employing quantitative methods through online questionnaire distribution, this research established a framework based on empowerment theory. The findings underscore the importance of economic empowerment, digital empowerment, and governance aspects for microfinance programme success, and provide empirical backing for suitable mitigation strategies for MSME entrepreneurs. The study emphasises the importance of supporting single mother entrepreneurs through various developmental activities, technical and vocational training, and comprehensive financial and non-financial aid initiatives. It stresses the critical role of women, particularly single mothers, in propelling societal and economic advancement, and advocating for their empowerment through targeted interventions. Overall, the findings enhance understanding of the challenges MSMEs face during crises, and offer insights for policymakers and microfinance agencies to strengthen support for single mother entrepreneurs in navigating future challenges and fostering economic resilience and development.

Keywords: microfinance; single mother entrepreneurs; empowerment; urban; pandemic COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F2 F3 F41 F42 G1 G2 G3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7072/12/2/30/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7072/12/2/30/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijfss:v:12:y:2024:i:2:p:30-:d:1361887

Access Statistics for this article

IJFS is currently edited by Ms. Hannah Lu

More articles in IJFS from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().