Jobmark: Journal of Branding and Marketing Communication
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): JOBMARK Vol 7 No 1 (July-December 2025)

Digital Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs for Competitive Advantage and Poverty Reduction

Muchammad Firman Mauludin (Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Ampel Surabaya)
Pesta Asni W Napitupuluh (Brida Provinsi Jawa Timur)
Eny Yuniyati (ITKM Widya Cipta Husada Malang)



Article Info

Publish Date
17 Aug 2025

Abstract

Poverty in East Java remains a persistent, multidimensional challenge, particularly in disadvantaged regions such as Tapal Kuda, where structural constraints limit economic mobility. This study examines how e-commerce functions as a strategic capability in strengthening women’s entrepreneurship, generating competitive advantage, and reducing poverty vulnerability. Adopting an interpretive qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis of women-led MSMEs that use marketplace platforms, and were analyzed thematically through a Resource-Based View (RBV) lens. The findings reveal that e-commerce operates not merely as a transactional channel but as a strategic digital resource that enables market expansion, network integration, and competitive positioning. Women entrepreneurs develop digital differentiation through packaging innovation, localized branding, and interactive consumer engagement, which enhances business resilience and income generation. These practices contribute to household economic stability and reinforce women’s socio-economic roles. However, sustainability is constrained by limited digital literacy, infrastructural gaps, and insufficient institutional support. Theoretically, this study extends RBV by situating digital capabilities within gendered entrepreneurial contexts in disadvantaged regions. Practically, it highlights the need for integrated policies that foster digital ecosystems for women’s entrepreneurship, including infrastructure development, capacity building, inclusive financing, and value chain integration.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

JOBMARK

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Jobmark: Journal of Branding and Marketing Communication, published by the Graduate School of Communication, Universitas Bakrie, is an interdisciplinary journal that focuses on branding, all aspects of marketing communications, brand management, brand communications, brand cultural studies, brand ...