ISO 9001:2015

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MODERN MANAGEMENT, APPLIED SCIENCE & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJEMMASSS) [ Vol. 8 | No. 3 (IV) Special Issue | July - September, 2026 ]

Impact of digitalization on Women Entrepreneurs: Opportunities and Challenges

Ms. Harsha Lal & Dr. Deepa Sharan

Digitalization has emerged as a powerful driver of transformation, influencing the growth and development of women entrepreneurship in India. This study examines the impact of digitalization on women entrepreneurs by identifying the opportunities it creates and the challenges it presents. The study uses a descriptive research design based on secondary data from journals, books, and credible online sources. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of how digital tools are reshaping entrepreneurial activities among women. The findings indicate that digital platforms such as e-commerce, social media, and digital payment systems have enabled women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses beyond geographical boundaries, enhance brand visibility, and access new markets. Opportunities such as remote working, online funding options, and networking platforms have further empowered women to balance personal and professional responsibilities while contributing towards business growth. Government initiatives like Digital India have also played a crucial role in promoting digital inclusion and economic independence among women. However, despite these advancements, several challenges persist. Issues such as lack of digital literacy, limited access to technology, gender bias, funding constraints, and trust deficits in supply chains continue to hinder the full potential of women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The study also highlights real-life examples of women entrepreneurs, such as Falguni Nayar of Nykaa, to demonstrate how digitalization can be effectively leveraged for entrepreneurial success.

Lal, H., & Sharan, D. (2026). Impact of digitalization on Women Entrepreneurs: Opportunities and Challenges. International Journal of Education, Modern Management, Applied Science &Amp; Social Science, 08(03(IV)), 32–38. https://doi.org/10.62823/ijemmasss/8.3(iv).9579
  1. (APEC Business Advisory Council [ABAC] and & USC Marshall School of Business 2018). (n.d.). WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN CROSS-BORDER E-COMMERCE:
  2. Cherieblairfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Empowered-or-Undermined-Women-Entrepreneurs-Digital-Economy.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://cherieblairfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Empowered-or-Undermined-Women-Entrepreneurs-Digital-Economy.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  3. Dr. Kanchanmala N. Gawate, et al. (2023). (PDF) Role of Digital India in Women’s Empowerment. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.53555/kuey.v29i4.11122
  4. GSMA – The Mobile Gender Gap Report 2025. (2025).
  5. International Finance Corporation. (n.d.). Women and E-Commerce: A $300 Billion Market Opportunity [Text/HTML]. IFC. Retrieved May 3, 2026, from https://www.ifc.org/en/what-we-do/sector-expertise/gender/digital-empowerment/women-and-ecommerce
  6. Kaithwar, I., & Shimpi, L. (2025). Catalysts Of Change: Case Studies Of Women-Led Enterprises In India (pp. 156–173).
  7. Maharana et al. (2025). (PDF) The role of digital technologies in supporting women entrepreneurs during and after the pandemic: A case approach. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.31893/multiscience.2025200
  8. Malkani, S., & Sitlani, C. M. (2025). Role of Social Media in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in India: A Retrospection. 12(1).
  9. Rai, N., & Sijariya, R. (2019). Use of Social Media for Women Entrepreneurship (With special reference to Bhopal). Asian Journal of Management, 10(3), 203. https://doi.org/10.5958/2321-5763.2019.00031.3
  10. Salam, A. (2018, October). (PDF) IMPACT OF DIGITIZATION ON WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS. ResearchGate.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349142798_IMPACT_OF_DIGITIZATION_ON_WOMEN_ENTREPRENEURS

  1. Saraswat, R., & Lathabhavan, R. (2020). A study on Women Entrepreneurship in India.
  2. UNCTAD (Ed.). (2022). Fostering women entrepreneurship in the digital economy: Insights from UNCTAD’s eTrade for Women Advocates: 2019-2021 Cohort. United Nations.
  3. Pushpam Dr. K. and Thirumal Dr. S. (2020) ROLE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN DIGITAL COMMERCE Retrieved from- https://www.ijrar.org/papers/IJRAR2001312.pdf
  4. Retrived from-https://www.intracen.org/sites/default/files/inlinefiles/Annual%20Report%202019_ English.pdf#page=44.19
  5. Retrived from-(Cherieblairfoundation.Org/Wp-Content/Uploads/2025/03/Empowered-or-Undermined-Women-Entrepreneurs-Digital-Economy.Pdf, n.d.)
  6. Source: World Bank Enterprise Surveys, www.enterprisesurveys.org.

DOI:

Article DOI: 10.62823/IJEMMASSS/8.3(IV).9579

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.62823/IJEMMASSS/8.3(IV).9579


Download Full Paper:

Download