Digital Storytelling as the Voice of Women Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Today, many women are starting their own businesses, yet they continue to face significant challenges due to gender norms and limited societal support. This paper explores how women entrepreneurs use digital storytelling to share their experiences and grow their small businesses. Through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, blogs, and YouTube, they communicate their struggles, ideas, and successes, enabling them to connect with audiences, build trust, and inspire other women. The paper also explains how digital storytelling enhances women’s confidence, strengthens their identity, and empowers them to challenge traditional social norms. Drawing on examples from South Asia, particularly Bangladesh and India, the study highlights key barriers, including online harassment, limited internet access, and low digital literacy. It concludes that digital storytelling is not only an effective business and marketing tool but also a powerful means of empowering women, amplifying their voices, and expanding their opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The findings demonstrate how technology and storytelling can jointly support women’s entrepreneurial journeys and contribute to inclusive economic development.