The Impact of Emotional Support in Times of Crisis
“Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Emotional Support in Times of Crisis”
Challenges Faced by Young Women Entrepreneurs (YWEs) During the Pandemic
No matter how resilient people are, the ongoing pandemic has presented young women entrepreneurs (YWEs) with a significant challenge. The combination of lockdown measures and the business problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on their mental well-being. Emotional support is crucial for YWEs as it serves as a source of mental strength and motivation, enabling them to work towards their business goals. Without emotional energy, their intelligence and skills may not be sufficient to achieve success, leading to feelings of hopelessness and a decline in their quality of life.
Interventions and Solutions Provided by WELL
WELL has implemented a comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by YWEs, offering training, coaching, and networking opportunities. Throughout these processes, WELL has integrated emotional support in various forms, including the incorporation of soft skill topics in training, active listening and empathetic communication during mentoring and coaching sessions, and the sharing of personal stories during YWE discussions in both small and large group settings.
Results of the Interventions: Impact on Target Beneficiaries
“During the COVID-19 lockdown, my family and I faced financial hardship. Joining WELL provided me with emotional support, advice, and financial assistance. These supports helped stabilize my family and business, especially improving my mental well-being,” shared Prach Sotheara, a seller of plastic bags at the market. Sotheara’s business was severely affected by the pandemic, leading to depression and increased stress. However, after joining the WELL program, she experienced significant improvement in her mental health and gained better coping mechanisms for stress. She successfully managed her business through financial challenges, demonstrating increased emotional stability in dealing with adversities.
Future Plans and Recommendations
Emotional support will remain an integral part of WELL’s strategic activities to support YWEs, alongside financial and technical assistance. The focus will be on empowering beneficiaries with new mindsets and soft skills that enable self-motivation and independence. The ongoing and future projects aim to strengthen YWEs’ emotional resilience to navigate challenges independently.
