Strengthening Women-Led Businesses During COVID-19: The Role of Estate Management, Social Capital, and Community Leadership in Residential Estates in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a massive shock to global economic activity, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs) were among the most impacted. Women-led enterprises in residential estates in Lagos, Nigeria, were particularly vulnerable as Lagos is a highly densely populated urban center that is characterized by very high dependence on informal enterprise. Most of these enterprises, however, showed resilience by basing their operations on hyperlocal means like estate management, social networks, and community leadership, despite the limited mobility and affected consumer behavior. Many of these businesses found strength in hyperlocal structures, such as estate management, social networks, and community leadership, despite shifting consumer behaviors and limited mobility. This article examines how these community-based systems helped the survival and even expansion of women-led businesses throughout the pandemic. The study highlights the value of grassroots systems in protecting women entrepreneurs against macro-level disruptions by synthesizing theoretical perspectives on social capital and local governance.