07 March 2025, Manila, Philippines – Sari-sari stores, the neighborhood mom-and-pop shops, play a critical role in providing daily essentials for about 94% of Filipinos. However, they also serve as a significant source of empowerment for women entrepreneurs. This is the conclusion of a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) in collaboration with tech startup Packworks. The research, titled “Gender, Microentrepreneurship, Human Flourishing: Exploring the Experiences of Women Sari-Sari Store Owners toward Inclusive Growth,” reveals that women store owners experience considerable psychological and social empowerment, despite facing various challenges.
According to the study, women entrepreneurs take pride in being recognized as “entrepreneurs” and “business owners,” which boosts their independence, confidence, and fulfillment. Many participants stated that owning a sari-sari store gives them a deeper sense of purpose. One participant shared, “I can buy things for myself, my kid, and my family now… I am not just a housewife anymore. Because of my store, I feel more fulfilled.”
The study also found that women owners achieve social empowerment, with customers addressing them as “ma’am” or “boss,” reflecting their elevated social status. Moreover, women who displayed leadership traits such as empathy and community collaboration reported high levels of well-being, optimism, and resilience. These women have become influential leaders within their communities.
The research highlights that women store owners experience positive outcomes in happiness, life satisfaction, mental health, and autonomy. Packworks CEO Bing Tan emphasized the importance of supporting these “sari-preneurs,” noting that their success strengthens the nation’s social fabric.
Packworks surveyed hundreds of female sari-sari store owners in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON between May and June 2024. The study shows that 75% of sari-sari stores are owned by women, reinforcing the vital role Filipino women play in the local economy.
