Effect of Women's Entrepreneurship Practices on Information Communication Technology (ICT) Adoption During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Today, the increasing number of women entrepreneurs adopting ICTs has grown their businesses and made them more efficient. This study empirically analysed the practice of women's entrepreneurship and its relation to the adoption of Covid-19 Pandemic ICT among SMEs in West Sumatra. A quantitative approach was used to empirically prove the connection between women's entrepreneurship and the use of ICT among SMEs. The population of this study consisted of female SMEs listed in the Cooperative and SME's Office of West Sumatra Province. A random sampling technique with a simple random type was used to select respondents. Questionnaires were distributed to 210 respondents to collect data and other related information. The results of this study proved that there is an effect of women's entrepreneurship practices on ICT adoption among SMEs in West Sumatra. Several aspects of women's entrepreneurship practices, such as customers, education and training, skills, internal support (including culture, social structure, religion, and family), and external environments (including governmental and associated institutions), contributed to women's entrepreneurship. Overall, this research contributes to the empowerment of women by providing them with equal opportunities to learn, improve their abilities, and work in business professions as technology-based innovation entrepreneurs, similar to men.