OFFSTONE JAN EDITION 2025

64 FEMINIST DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE DIGITAL AGE By: Dr. Eizan Azira Binti Mat Sharif & Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri eizansharif@usim.edu.my The writer is a lecturer in the New Media Communications programme in the Faculty of Leadership and Management at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). Her research interests include communication technology, gamification, advertising, social media, media studies, and neuroscience. ABSTRACT In a world that often views digital innovation through a male lens, feminist digital entrepreneurship presents an alternative perspective on digital innovation and opportunity. Promoting inclusive policies, digital literacy, and supportive networks empowers women and strengthens their engagement in the digital economy. By dismantling systemic barriers and uplifting marginalized voices, this model transforms digital entrepreneurship into a vehicle for closing the gender gap — a tool for facilitating social change and fostering sustainable economic development. Introduction Digital technology has revolutionized industries worldwide, opening doors to unprecedented innovation, connectivity, and entrepreneurship. While many have benefited, women have emerged as drivers of change, leveraging digital platforms to challenge business models and societal norms. In response to gender inequalities over the past decades, feminist digital entrepreneurship has developed to empower women to lead, innovate, and inspire. The Rise of Digital Entrepreneurship Digital entrepreneurship involves developing a business that operates entirely online in the digital space. It is a thrilling path for aspiring entrepreneurs, as the digital world provides vast opportunities with fewer barriers, lower market entry costs, and the potential to reach a global audience. This model particularly benefits women who have historically struggled to access capital, mentorship,