From Home to Hustle: Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs Thrive Online

Challenges of women Entrapeneuers and how ecommerce is changing the game

In Pakistan, there’s a great potential for digital connectivity/ e-commerce to provide women with opportunity and access to financial empowerment in a culturally sensitive and economically scarce context. For a country of its size, Pakistan has low internet penetration but it is growing quickly and now over 40% of internet users are women. Using popular sites like Daraz, Shopify, and Instagram Shopping, women are rapidly transforming these startup businesses – selling everything from buttons to tech platforms, into successful businesses.

Challenges For Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs

Access to safe mobility due to cultural barriers

Very low access to banks and financial resources – only 7% of women have formal bank accounts

Digital literacy deficits, especially in rural contexts and access to tech no one knows how to generate other than let me just start selling somewhere

How E-Commerce is Changing the Game

✔ Home based – women can sell online clothing, jewelry, handicrafts without the expense of a traditional store.

✔ Knowing the money will come in! Digital payments: Easypaisa, JazzCash, bank transfers.

© Social commerce: Facebook & Instagram provides two (2) great platforms to market their products with almost no cost.

Suggestions to Improve and Empower Women Digitally

Mobile friendly educational programs: Urdu offered, marketing and digital and finance training courses for beginners.

Women dedicated Online Platforms: The rise of a WomenX like site specific to women (a hub for Pakistani women’s e-commerce).

Leverage Government, and NGO supports: Be aware of subsidized internet access, micro loans for incremental growth, and a focus on not only trade safety but cyber safety.

Examples of Success

SidraQasim (Sapphire) – Previous business activity was an errand as a seamstress, now leads a brand n Barrand and Sharjeel

Jahan Ara (Women’s Digital League – Is focused on educating and empowering women to use freelancing, e-commerce and career development opportunities which is beneficial to creating their own businesses.

The Way Forward

Pakistan can unlock the potential of millions of women entrepreneurs by increasing internet access, digital skills training, and financial inclusion. Let’s build a future where every woman in Pakistan can turn her dream into a digital empire! 💖🇵🇰