Migrant women entrepreneurship and health-related crisis: an intersectional perspective

PurposeUsing an intersectional lens, this article explores the disproportionate effect of health-related crises on vulnerable groups, specifically focusing on migrant women entrepreneurs and exacerbated by ingrained societal biases related to gender, ethnicity and class.Design/methodology/approachEmploying an inductive, phenomenological approach, we conducted face-to-face interviews with migrant women entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementing our findings, we analysed documents such as UK policy briefings and government task force meeting reports.FindingsOur research uncovered a substantial decline in the customer base of migrant women entrepreneurs, which was attributed to the perceived susceptibility to the virus. Balancing business responsibilities with childcare resulted in a significant time commitment, influencing mood, well-being, family welfare and financial stability. Through our findings, we highlight that the issue of intersectionality extends beyond sociocultural factors to encompass disruptive events like health-related crises. To mitigate the adverse effects, we advocate for migrant women entrepreneurs to undertake crucial entrepreneurial actions, embrace entrepreneurial orientations, utilise available support systems and cultivate essential soft skills.Originality/valueEmphasising a holistic approach, this article underscores the necessity of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant women entrepreneurs during health crises, contributing significantly to a broader understanding of intersectionality beyond sociocultural dimensions.