Why Australia needs more female entrepreneurs in e-commerce
With International Women's Day just around the corner, it's time to shine a light on the digital revolution reshaping how we consume and purchase. In Australia, only a third of businesses are female-led, and this gap is even more extreme in e-commerce. While the e-commerce industry has transformed businesses' operations, women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented.
Female entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth. However, many face structural barriers that limit their opportunities. Supporting more women to enter the e-commerce world is vital, and by encouraging and empowering them to take on leadership roles and entrepreneurial ventures, we can drive positive change, ensure diverse perspectives are represented, and create a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
Female entrepreneurs face unique challenges when starting and running businesses, and while e-commerce offers a lower-cost entry point compared to traditional stores, there are still significant obstacles. Limited access to funding, support networks, and the belief that women can succeed in male-dominated industries, such as technology and business management, often discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurship, with 70 per cent of female small business leaders stating men were able to get funding easier than women.
Despite e-commerce's vast growth, women are still underrepresented, particularly in the most profitable areas. Cultural biases, restricted access to capital, and a shortage of mentorship opportunities contribute to this imbalance. With this, supporting female entrepreneurs shouldn't be seen as charity, but rather a strategic investment in economic growth and innovation.
Platforms like AliExpress are actively working alongside organisations, including LIFTWOMEN® Group to break down these barriers, providing female entrepreneurs tools and workshops for managing inventory, marketing, and logistics, so they can focus on building their businesses. This makes it easier for women to connect with customers worldwide, removing some of the limitations they might face locally. Global platforms are doing their best to create a more level playing field by offering these opportunities.
Irene Tsang, Founder and CEO of LIFTWOMEN® Group, shares: "At LIFTWOMEN, we believe that mentorship, community, and access to funding are just as critical as technology and global markets. E-commerce opens incredible doors for women entrepreneurs, but real success comes from having the right support system—one that helps navigate challenges, build confidence, and create meaningful connections."
THE BENEFITS OF MORE FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
Increasing the number of female entrepreneurs in e-commerce isn't just about equality—it drives innovation. Women are better suited to create products that meet the needs of families and communities, better representing consumers and target audiences with a stronger diversity of thought.
"Empowering female-led businesses isn't just about filling market gaps—it's about creating real impact. Women entrepreneurs are more likely to reinvest in their families and communities, driving long-term economic and social change. When we invest in women, we don't just boost the economy—we build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come." Tsang added.
Women-owned businesses also promote inclusivity by hiring more women, opening doors in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Their success proves e-commerce is for everyone, inspiring future entrepreneurs. With the right support, anyone can build a business, regardless of background or resources.
HOW E-COMMERCE PLATFORMS CAN HELP
E-commerce platforms play an important role in supporting women entrepreneurs by providing the infrastructure, tools, and resources needed to run a business without the need for a physical storefront. This opens up greater flexibility, making it easier for women to balance work with family life, especially for returning-to-work mums. With the ability to run businesses from home or around their specific schedules, e-commerce platforms help women build and scale businesses at their own pace, often starting as a side hustle before growing into something bigger.
By offering access to global markets, low-cost digital storefronts, and powerful data analytics, e-commerce platforms create opportunities for women to expand their reach and grow their businesses without the financial strain of traditional retail setups.
Many platforms, including AliExpress, provide educational tools that help women entrepreneurs learn everything from logistics and product sourcing to digital marketing and customer engagement. These resources equip women to confidently navigate the complexities of online business, develop their brands, and achieve long-term success.
The e-commerce industry is only going to continue growing, and women have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformation. By supporting female entrepreneurs and encouraging them to build businesses in the digital world, e-commerce platforms can help create a more balanced, equitable marketplace that benefits everyone. As more women embrace the opportunities offered by e-commerce, we'll see the marketplace become richer, more inclusive, and more innovative. The future of e-commerce should be one where women have multiple seats at the table, not just as consumers, but as business owners, leaders, and innovators.
