Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on Socio-Economic Equalities among Women Owned Enterprises in Oherey Open Market in Garissa County, Kenya: A Literature Review

Abstract

Kenya's Vision 2030 is pegged on the roles SMEs play in attaining the newly industrialized economic status. Similarly, Global Sustainable Development Agenda highlights the need for gender mainstreaming in achieving sustainable societies. However, women and minority groups in general are disproportionately affected during disasters. Following the Global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, like normal life, businesses have been affected-small and large businesses alike. The impacts have mostly been amplified by the Covid-19 management measures of social distancing, staying at home, and restrictions on social gatherings, curfews and lockdowns among others. For businesses, the result has been a reduction in cash flows, reduction in demand and supply, lay off of workers, increased investment on Covid-19 management equipment and worst case scenarios closures. The aim of this paper was to interrogate Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on Socio-Economic Equalities among Women Owned Enterprises in Oherey Open Market in Garissa County, Kenya. The study uses the Social Vulnerability and Feminist Political Ecology Theories in an attempt to explain study variables. This paper employed descriptive research design which provided a vivid description of how covid-19 pandemic has interfered with social economic lives of women in Oherey open market. Data analysis was done through textual analysis. Empirical review of relevant literature reveal that Covid-19 has had negative effects not only on SMEs but generally on businesses. However, women centric studies on the impact of Covid-19 remain scarce. The study recommends for financial boosts, non-financial boosts, revision of business policies and proper planning in a quest to develop pandemic resilient business establishments.