Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Food Production Sector During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This chapter focusses on women entrepreneurs in the informal food production sector in Mauritius. It seeks to explore the business practices of these women entrepreneurs and investigates the business and employment challenges they face, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study made use of the qualitative interpretive research paradigm, specifically using unstructured interviews, to identify the challenges and opportunities these women faced as entrepreneurs, during unprecedented times. Findings were categorized using thematic analysis and were discussed in the light of the literature review conducted. Interesting themes including support from family members, access to resources, and perception of respectable femininity and domesticity emerged for the Mauritian context. Accordingly, recommendations with respect to ensuring business continuity of women entrepreneurs in the informal food production sector in Mauritius have been made.