The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a severe shock to young firms, but for youth entrepreneurs, particularly young women and those from Sexual and Gender Diverse (SGD) groups, the crisis intensified existing vulnerabilities and threatened the diversity of the entire enterprise sector. This episode explores how, beyond the common struggles of plunging revenue and closures, female founders disproportionately shouldered the burden of unpaid care work, severely limiting their capacity to manage their businesses. For both young women and SGD entrepreneurs, pre-existing systemic barriers—such as limited access to capital and supportive networks—were dramatically exacerbated, making it nearly impossible for them to pivot, secure relief financing, and survive the economic shock, underscoring the urgent need for equitable support.

The pandemic revealed a harsh truth: it didn't just expose old problems, it tragically deepened the vulnerability of those already on the margins, particularly women, gender, and sexual minorities in Indonesia. We dive deep into the immense, interwoven challenges these communities have faced, including critical impacts on their physical health, overall well-being, and the subsequent erosion of their economic stability and participation. Tune in as we move beyond conversation, fostering community engagement and issuing a powerful call to action for our listeners to stand with us in building a more equitable future.

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened existing vulnerabilities for women and gender & sexual minorities in Indonesia, negatively impacting their physical and mental health and subsequently their economic participation and well-being. A podcast aims to address this by increasing awareness, building capacity, and fostering collaboration to create a more supportive environment, emphasizing the need for an intersectional approach to achieve sustainable change in gender, sexuality, and economic empowerment.