March 8, 2025 Manila, Philippines — In celebration of International Women’s Day, tech start-up Packworks.io cites a groundbreaking study highlighting the vital role of sari-sari stores in empowering Filipino women. The analysis, conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, underscores how micro-entrepreneurship fosters psychological, social, and economic empowerment among women sari-sari store owners.
According to the research, sari-sari store ownership provides women with a strong sense of purpose, confidence, and autonomy. Despite the financial challenges of sustaining these neighborhood shops, many women demonstrate high levels of well-being, optimism, and resilience. Using several layers of scientific measurement from a random sample of 500 respondents from different regions across the Philippines, the findings quantitatively find that these women, beyond being store owners, see themselves as entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
“The sari-sari store is more than just a business; it is a pillar of empowerment for many women,” said Bing Tan, CEO of Packworks.io. “This study confirms that women sari-store owners not only contributes to their grassroots local economy but also serves as a transformative platform for personal growth and leadership.”
The research also highlights the social empowerment benefits of sari-sari store ownership. Women in the study reported improved social status within their communities, stronger support systems from their families, and an enhanced sense of agency in decision-making. Many have become role models for aspiring female entrepreneurs, proving that economic participation leads to broader societal change.
However, the study also identifies some key challenges: limited access to capital remains a significant hurdle, preventing many women from scaling their businesses. Furthermore, engagement with government support programs is minimal, with many store owners unaware of existing assistance initiatives.
To address these gaps, the study recommends increasing awareness of financial aid programs, tailoring support initiatives to the realities of women entrepreneurs, and recognizing sari-sari stores as vital contributors to community development beyond economic aspects.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, Packworks.io celebrates with its women business owners comprising its 300,000+ sari-store network nationwide, and calls for greater recognition and support for women micro-entrepreneurs. Their resilience and dedication demonstrate that empowering women run sari-store businesses uplifts entire communities, fostering a more inclusive and thriving society.
For more information about the research study please contact success@packworks.io or message us at Packworks’ Facebook or LinkedIn page