Women sari-sari store owners in the Philippines experience significant psychological and social empowerment despite business challenges, according to a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and tech startup Packworks.
The research found that operating sari-sari stores provides women with a sense of independence, confidence and fulfillment, elevating their social status within communities.
Many store owners expressed that running their businesses gave them a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Women entrepreneurs who demonstrated strong leadership and community collaboration reported higher well-being, optimism and resilience.
About 78 percent of respondents contribute to household income, with 16 percent serving as breadwinners.
The study underscores the crucial role of women in the micro-retail sector, reinforcing that 75 percent of sari-sari stores are female-owned.
“We are driven by our mission to provide advanced business tools and services that allow women to not only succeed in business but also to become leaders and change-makers within their communities,” said Packworks chief executive Bing Tan.