CSR for Improving Digital Literacy of SMME Businesswomen in Indonesia when Dealing with Business Change during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world, not only on the public's physical and mental health, but also on the stability of economic state in the nation. How do SMME businesswomen deal with this situation? This study aims to observe how SISPRENEUR, a CSR activity in the field of digital literacy program conducted by XL Axiata Company made an attempt to help SMME businesswomen to run their business during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a qualitative method with a case study approach by interviewing SMME businesswomen who had not promote their products on marketplace or social media. The respondents in this study are 20 SMME businesswomen from four provinces in Indonesia, including Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, West Kalimantan, and West Sumatra. The study result found out that before participating in SISPRENEUR program, SMME businesswomen were still opening their business offline during the COVID-19 pandemic even though they have known the health effect of virus transmission. Such situation happened because they lack in knowledge and skill to properly use digital platforms. After participating in the SISPRENEUR program, the SMME businesswomen have started selling their products on digital platforms such as social media. In conclusion, SISPRENEUR as a CSR activity conducted by XL Axiata Company have helped improving knowledge and skills of SMME businesswomen in adopting digital platforms to run their business. © 2021 JPPW. All rights reserved