Feminism and Entrepreneurship: The Economic Impact of Covid-19 on Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria and South Africa

Abstract Feminism and entrepreneurship are topical areas of concern in Africa based on the level of economic development of its member states. The quest of feminism is the strive for gender equality, inclusion and access to opportunities in areas of finance, empowerment and entrepreneurship for economic development. The case of Nigeria and South Africa, however, shows that women entrepreneurs have not received massive support in their various establishments, despite the fact that women are considered as major actors in the development of these two countries. Furthermore, the effort of women in entrepreneurship was affected by the incidence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this impacted on the family as well as their business performance and survival. The study sought to understand the economic impact of COVID-19 on women entrepreneurs. It also assessed whether or not there was institutional support for women owned businesses during the pandemic. Likewise, the study considered the use of online platform as part of the adaptive strategies for women entrepreneurs during COVID-19 era. Descriptive research design was engaged, which uses in-depth interview guide in sourcing for useful information. Purposive sampling technique was engaged for the study. Data collected were analysed using content analysis. The study concluded that the impact of the pandemic was heavy on women entrepreneurs in terms of their family sustenance, business survival; and a number of women businesses were discontinued because they could not adapt their business to the experience of the pandemic, and also because they lacked business and financial support from the government, both in Nigeria and South Africa.