A survey conducted by UNDP Philippines in 2020 revealed that most micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have started to employ adaptive measures to address the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19.

One of the most frequently reported strategies was digitalization. While many have explored selling their products online, the MSMEs that participated in the survey acknowledged the need for skills training and capacity building to fully leverage the accelerated adoption of digitalization in the country.

As response, UNDP Philippines launched its e-commerce training for women-led groups under the project WONDER. Most of the women-led groups have no experience in online selling and have not used smartphones prior to the project. Their micro-enterprises, which include selling of native products and handicrafts, have been adversely impacted by the economic slowdown as a result of community quarantine in the country (e.g., closure of resorts, schools, and other tourist spots, which used to be their primary venue for selling).

To ensure women’s participation in the trainings, twelve (12) women-led groups were given a set of one (1) smart phone, one (1) tablet, and one (1) pocket wifi.

Through pre-recorded videos, modules, and live online discussions, sixteen (16) women-led groups were introduced to digital entrepreneurship to transform their livelihoods from streets to screens. For two weeks, an entrepreneur and creative director led the group in learning about promotional and sales channels such as Facebook and Shopee, content production, photography, social media, and communications plan for their products and services.

Several women groups have now set up their micro-enterprises’ Facebook pages and Shopee accounts, and have continuously expressed their appreciation of the lessons they have learned through the training. One of the women IP leaders shared how they used to think that the opportunities for them are limited since most of them did not have higher education. However, the training opened themselves up to the possibility of successfully taking part in the digital economy.

In her own words, “Nakikinita din po namin na puwede rin kaming magtagumpay sa online selling.” (We can now envision ourselves as successful online sellers)

Finally, the project led to potential market linkages and opportunities for women-led groups that produce handicraft products. One of the guest speakers in the culminating activity is the Executive Director of SAFFY Inc., a social enterprise that helps marginalized communities access the export market. Six (6) groups, five of which are Indigenous Peoples groups, that participated in the training have been linked to SAFFY and are currently in discussion with the latter for potential collaboration. Partner CSOs that are working directly with the women-led groups such as the Philippine ICCA, Sulyap ng Pag-asa, and Food and Agriculture Organization are also providing the women groups the corresponding guidance and assistance to pursue the said collaboration.

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Philippines, in partnership with Citi, initiated WONDER or Women Organisations and Networks Delivering Assistance for COVID-19 Response project.

Through e-commerce training, WONDER supported the livelihood of displaced or unemployed women workers and women-led enterprises from 13 women’s groups from all over the country by helping them produce UNDP and DTI-approved community face coverings. These community face coverings were then distributed along with hygiene kits, and relief goods to 2,980 women in vulnerable communities – among which are areas that have been severely affected by the recent typhoons in the Philippines and have been experiencing multiple burdens amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.