THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND E COMMERCE IN EMPOWERING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

The advent of digital technologies, particularly social media and e-commerce platforms, has ushered in a new era of opportunities for women entrepreneurs worldwide. These digital tools have effectively dismantled traditional obstacles, such as restricted access to resources, networks, and markets, enabling women to establish and expand their enterprises with unprecedented flexibility and cost-efficiency. Social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, have become instrumental in empowering women entrepreneurs to cultivate brand identity, interact with customers, and reach global audiences through economical and effective marketing approaches. Concurrently, e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify have opened doors to international markets, reduced operational expenses, and provided essential tools for efficient business management. Although these digital platforms enhance visibility, facilitate networking, and offer valuable market insights, women entrepreneurs continue to grapple with challenges such as digital illiteracy, financial limitations, and gender-based biases. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions, including digital skills training, improved access to funding, and robust online protection measures, is crucial to unlocking the full potential of these platforms for women entrepreneurs. This study investigates the empowering impact of social media and e-commerce on women's entrepreneurship, elucidating the advantages, obstacles, and strategies for success. It emphasizes the necessity of a supportive ecosystem that enables women entrepreneurs to effectively leverage digital platforms, thereby contributing significantly to economic growth and gender equality.