Study: 90% of women sari-sari store owners balance business and family in the Philippines

Sari-sari stores, the ubiquitous neighbourhood convenience shops in the Philippines, are not just a lifeline for daily essentials - they are also an engine for women's empowerment and a key entry point for tech solutions to expand. A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and tech startup Packworks reveals that managing these micro-retail businesses fosters psychological and social empowerment among female entrepreneurs.

Titled "Gender, Microentrepreneurship, Human Flourishing: Exploring the Experiences of Women Sari-Sari Store Owners toward Inclusive Growth," the study also found that 90% of respondents were married with dependents. Of the participants, 78% contributed to household income, 16% were the primary breadwinners, and 6% were single mothers.

This could provide opportunities for platforms such as Packworks - which provides digital tools for inventory management, sales tracking, and access to working capital - to offer tailored business solutions that support women entrepreneurs in balancing their financial and family responsibilities.

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Surveying female sari-sari store owners across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon between May and June 2024, the also study highlights how women store owners experience greater independence, confidence, and fulfilment. Beyond financial gain, these entrepreneurs take pride in their roles, embracing the identity of "business owners" and finding a deeper sense of purpose in their daily operations.

"This research underscores the resilience and transformative power of women sari-preneurs in the Philippines. They are the heart of their communities, and by supporting them, we are strengthening the social fabric of the nation," said Packworks CEO Bing Tan.

"This reinforces our previous findings, which revealed that 75% of sari-sari stores are owned by women. Through our business intelligence tool Sari IQ, we are able to highlight that Filipinas hold significant control over the local economy through these micro-retail enterprises," Packworks lead data scientist Joanne Diaz added.

Most women have run their sari-sari stores for three to eleven years, starting with an initial capital of 2,500 pesos (US$43.5) to 50,000 pesos (US$870.5), according to the study. They primarily funded their businesses through personal savings or salaries, while some turned to family for financial support. On average, their weekly earnings range from 3,500 pesos (US$60.9) to 6,000 pesos (US$104.5).

For many women, running a sari-sari store transforms their lives. One participant in the study expressed, "I can buy things for myself, my kid, and my family now... I am not just a housewife anymore."

Social empowerment is another key outcome, with women gaining higher status in their communities. Customers often address them with respectful terms like "ma'am" or "boss," acknowledging their leadership and influence. Additionally, those displaying transformational leadership traits - empathy, care, and collaboration - reported greater optimism, resilience, and overall well-being.

Through its business-to-business open platform, Packworks continues to bridge the gap between grassroots retailers and the digital economy, with over 300,000 sari-sari stores now connected to its platform.

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