In a world where technology is rewriting the rules of business, women entrepreneurs are stepping up—not just to participate, but to lead. From village corners in Sri Lanka to buzzing urban tech hubs, women are embracing digital tools to launch and grow businesses, break gender stereotypes, and drive community transformation.
But the story is not one of unbroken success. While digital innovation has opened doors, challenges persist—particularly for women in developing economies. A recent research study sheds light on this dynamic intersection between women entrepreneurship and digital innovation, offering insights into both the opportunities and roadblocks that define this space.
Digital innovation
Digital platforms such as e-commerce websites, mobile banking, and social media have drastically lowered traditional entry barriers for women. For many, these tools offer a vital combination: flexibility to balance household duties with business, the ability to reach customers directly, and access to financial systems previously out of reach.
Whether it’s a young entrepreneur selling handcrafted products via Instagram or a smallholder farmer accessing mobile-based market information, digital innovation is giving women a new voice in business—and reshaping entire communities in the process.
However, technology alone isn’t enough. The real transformation occurs when women are equipped with the digital literacy, confidence, and financial knowledge to harness these tools effectively.
Methodology
To better understand how women are navigating this digital shift, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted using the PRISMA method. A total of 85 documents were initially sourced from the Scopus database, which included conference papers, book chapters, and reviews. After applying rigorous screening criteria, 25 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025 were selected for in-depth analysis.
Two analytical approaches were employed:
* Keyword Co-occurrence Analysis using VOSviewer software, which helped visualize frequently used terms and uncover emerging research themes.
* Thematic Analysis, which interpreted qualitative insights from the selected articles to identify recurring patterns, such as empowerment, digital inclusion, and financial capability.
This dual-method approach ensures the findings are grounded, credible, and capable of guiding future research and policy discussions.
Champions of change
The thematic analysis paints a vivid picture. Women entrepreneurs are not just chasing profits—they’re driving change. Many enter entrepreneurship seeking financial independence, flexible work-life balance, or social recognition. Others are motivated by a desire to solve community problems.
In sectors like agribusiness, tourism, or handicrafts, women are using digital tools to modernize operations, create jobs, and uplift their communities.
In doing so, they are redefining what it means to be a business leader in the 21st century—resilient, tech-savvy, and socially conscious. But they don’t have it easy. Cultural expectations, lack of support networks, limited access to credit, and a gap in technical skills still weigh heavily on their entrepreneurial journey.
The power of the digital toolbox
Digital innovation is more than just technology—it’s a toolbox for transformation. Women are increasingly using platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Shopify, and mobile banking apps to streamline business processes and connect with customers.
Technological tools like cloud computing and data analytics help women make smarter decisions and optimize operations. For instance, a rural entrepreneur using WhatsApp to manage customer orders saves time, reduces waste, and scales faster—all without needing a traditional storefront. Importantly, these innovations are also helping women navigate systemic issues like mobility restrictions, childcare duties, and lack of access to formal marketplaces
Challenges
While the promise of digital entrepreneurship is vast, so are the challenges. The study highlights several persistent barriers:
* Digital illiteracy: Many women lack formal training in using technology for business.
* Limited access to devices and internet: Especially in rural and low-income areas.
* Financial exclusion: Women are often unaware of digital financial tools or hesitant to use them.
* Cultural constraints: Societal expectations and family responsibilities continue to restrict women’s entrepreneurial freedom.
Additionally, many women struggle with confidence, lack of mentorship, and gender bias in funding and business networks.
Bridging the gap
To support women in the digital economy, a multi-pronged approach is essential. The study offers the following recommendations:
* Integrate digital skills into education: From school level to adult learning, digital literacy should be a priority.
* Boost financial literacy: Custom training programs on mobile banking, crowdfunding, and digital payments can enhance business performance.
* Foster supportive ecosystems: Women need access to mentorship, role models, professional networks, and legal literacy.
* Focus on rural inclusion: Tailored interventions for agriculture, home-based industries, and artisanal businesses are vital.
Programs like “The Mellon Skills Accelerator” and “Women in Action” have shown that early engagement in digital skills training—especially for girls—can have a lasting impact on confidence, innovation, and entrepreneurial readiness.
Future research directions
The research identifies several untapped areas for further exploration:
* The effectiveness of female-focused business education in higher education
* The role of NGOs and private-sector partnerships in women’s digital inclusion
* Cross-country comparisons to identify culturally specific challenges and solutions
* The long-term impact of digital financial literacy on business sustainability
By focusing future research on these areas, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers can build more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems where women can thrive.
Conclusion
This study reaffirms a vital truth: digital innovation has the power to transform not just businesses but lives. Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. With the right support, they can leverage technology to solve local problems, build sustainable businesses, and contribute to national growth.
But their journey is not without hurdles. By investing in education, technology access, financial tools, and inclusive policies, we can empower women to fully participate in the digital economy. In doing so, we don’t just uplift individuals—we ignite a movement for gender equality, economic justice, and social innovation.
By:
Fiushani Dissanayake
MSc. in Management (USJ) – Reading, BBM (Hons.) in Entrepreneurship & Management (UWU), AAT Passed Finalist, IABF
Department of Management Studies
Faculty of Indigenous Social Sciences and Management Studies
Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine
