Global Journal of Human Social Science, C: Sociology and Culture, Volume 22 Issue 1

© 2022 Global Journals Volume XXII Issue I Version I 25 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 C The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Women Entrepreneurs: An Analysis from Socio-Economic Perspective in Rangpur City Corporation, Bangladesh Corporation, Bangladesh. Some obvious limitations of this study are as follows- • Time limitation is the most important problem for this study • Data collection through primary source or through interview was a rigorous and time consuming matter. • Further, it was also found that women entrepreneurs have a tend to disclose lower income and higher expenses. They think that this would help them to get more credit. • Collecting correct information from women entrepreneurs is a very difficult task. • Sometimes data is not available or accessing data is very difficult in Covid-19 pandemic situation. • Data may not be robust enough to identify and explain complex issues • Some of the respondent was not capable to finish the interview fully at the first attempt considering the health cautions, personal hygiene, customer attendance, business meeting, instructing employees and etc. • Lacking of financial aid or any funding opportunities, I was bound to travel within short distances and reduce other costs when conducting field works, which has barred me to convulse my research area. VII. F indings and D iscussion The effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic are devastating. It is not limited to health problems only, but it has an adverse effects on many sectors. These adverse effects are also being felt in the economic and social sectors of the country. Women’s enterprises are already affected by so many challenges and barriers that the new struck of COVID-19 pandemic have exaggerated the previous challenges and barriers and also brought new dimensions of challenges for them in their socio-economic spheres. The negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic have influence on women's lives and livelihoods are far-reaching and of special importance. This study solely tries to identify the socio- economic impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on women entrepreneurs. a) Factors holding back women entrepreneurs during the pandemic The current world-wide pandemic situation due to fatal Covid-19 virus has disproportionately affected all aspects and activities of women entrepreneurs. In Rangpur City Corporation Arena the scenario is almost same in comparison with the whole world. 92 percentages of women entrepreneurs in Rangpur City Corporation Arena have faced social barriers and challenges during the pandemic situation, 88 percentages of women entrepreneurs in Rangpur City Corporation Arena have faced economic challenges, 98 percentages of the respondents have lack of managerial skills. b) Economic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in business due to COVID-19 pandemic Women in Bangladesh continue to have less access to financing, productive resources, services, and opportunities than men, putting them at a disadvantage in terms of participating in and contributing to socioeconomic development. Access to enough finance is, without a doubt, a significant barrier for female entrepreneurs. Many women in Bangladesh's Rangpur City Corporation have established their enterprises with insufficient resources of fund, and working capital is one of the most pressing concerns for new enterprises, affecting their growth and survival rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened their economic supports and exaggerated their financial crisis they have ever faced during their whole entrepreneurial tenure. 88 percentages of women entrepreneurs of this study have acknowledged that they are going through financial crisis due to the pandemic along with facing- including- Lack of Capital, More production cost, Decrease in Sale, Decrease in production, Fail to pay off installment of loans, Lack of new sources of financial aid, Low margin profit just to survive during the pandemic, Conditions to avail bank loans, Low budget for marketing, Delay to get payment from buyer, Liquidity and low flow of cash and etc. c) Social challenges and barriers experienced by women entrepreneurs due to the COVID-19 pandemic Being a women entrepreneur in a patriarchal society in Bangladesh, women always face innumerable social barriers and challenges. The traditional perception of women's positions in society is a barrier to their success as entrepreneurs. Women have a tough time managing their enterprises because of gendered stereotyped social preconceptions about women. They also experience discrimination, which might make it difficult for them to achieve. Most women have been trapped in disadvantaged positions due to the attribution of the reproductive role to women alone, heavy workload and unpaid labor, lack of decision- making in the household, and subordination. The pandemic has indulged holistic social barriers and challenges on women entrepreneurs. This study has found that the pandemic has also exacerbated the negative impacts emerged from the social challenges and barriers at every level of their social life in Rangpur City Corporation Area, Rangpur. 92 percentages of the respondents have experienced social challenges and barriers due to pandemic which includes- Stereotyping and People’s negative perceptions about women’s roles and abilities, Familial duties and Reproductive