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Paper short abstract:

In Papua New Guinea (PNG) women entrepreneurs depend on informal institutions, such as, social networks, and familial connections, among other social ties, to recover and rebuild their business from economic losses imposed by the pandemic.

Paper long abstract:

Abstract

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, women entrepreneurs in the global south experienced businesses losses. In Papua New Guinea (PNG) women entrepreneurs with formally registered businesses experienced more hardship after the pandemic compared to women operating in the informal economy, despite the availability of economic recovery support through the formal institutions. This phenomenon points out the instrumental role of informal institutions, such as, social networks, and familial connections, among other social ties.

To address this question, this ethnographic study explores the impact of the pandemic on 20 migrant women entrepreneurs in the city of Port Moresby and 20 indigenous women entrepreneurs in the township of Goroka. Through interviews and field observation, the study aims to shed light on the current situation of these women entrepreneurs and explore possible initiatives that may help these informal businesses, like public recognition, funding opportunities through social monies, and cooperative ventures, among others.

The research offers evidence to inform policies and strategies that are contextually relevant and appreciates the unique role that women entrepreneurs perform within the economy. It considers the institutional structures that these women belong to and identity with, and how best to utilize these in post pandemic economic recovery efforts.

Keywords: informal economy, Papua New Guinea, entrepreneurs, women, post pandemic, institutions