Kosovo’s Pandemic Response Left Women-Led Businesses Struggling

Based on interviews with Kosovo women entrepreneurs, the five key challenges faced during the pandemic included a fall in customer purchases, the need to remodel the business, the threat to existence, and decreased business size.

If that was not enough, many women entrepreneurs also experienced increased childcare responsibilities, making it harder for them to navigate the challenges of steering a business in turbulent times.

Many women entrepreneurs in Kosovo who are also mothers have revealed their experiences during the pandemic concerning the continuation, discontinuation, or closure of their businesses in feedback.

It was often devastating. Most women were highly stressed, citing falling sales, limited mobility, lack of income alternatives, and no safety nets.

One owner put it: "I am always thinking about giving my child the right attention, running my business, the pandemic - and whether I am doing enough."

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 measures on businesses left many owners struggling and without answers to pressing issues.

The crisis prompted a government response - but often this was too late, inadequate or short sighted.

It is essential to understand whether the Kosovo government integrated gender considerations and experiences into broader policymaking and recovery strategies.

Challenges facing women in business were overlooked

Women work at the agricultural cooperative 'Krusha' producing homemade pickles and ajvar in the village of Krusha, Kosovo, 16 September 2021. Photo: EPA-EFE/VALDRIN XHEMAJ.

Kosovo institutions adopted various policy measures in response to COVID-19, focusing on social wellbeing, business support, and grant supervision.

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