Women entrepreneurship, sustainable economy and the continuous technological & digital revolution: rethinking the entrepreneurial success

The study investigates the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan in adapting to digitalization, technological advancements, and sustainability, identifying necessary skills and strategies for fostering entrepreneurial success and contributing to a sustainable economy. The research employs Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology, using semi-structured interviews for data gathering. Thematic analysis was used to uncover themes, and NVivo 14 was utilized for data analysis. The study’s results reveal that the dynamics of entrepreneurship have changed, requiring the development of digital, technological, and sustainability-related skills. This work argues that the contemporary expanding embeddedness of the service sector in digitalization is opening new vistas of success for potential women entrepreneurs. Silent and swift transformation of the entrepreneurial landscape in the form of digitalization of diverse dimensions of business offers entrepreneurial opportunities to women. This research views the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in terms of the promotion of the SDGs of advancing quality education and reducing inequalities, particularly within the country. This inclusion may partially but significantly contribute to enhancing the prospects of overcoming the continuing threat of ecological calamities. Liberal feminist theory demands equal liberty for women. This study supports Carol Gilligan’s work related to liberal feminism, which states that women have equal liberty to do work like men, and establishes that women’s essential caring behavior aligns with sustainable development goals. The findings provide a substantial understanding of the intricate interplay between gender, digitalization, technology, and sustainability in entrepreneurship. It has practical relevance for lawmakers, business support organizations, educators, training institutes, and ambitious female entrepreneurs.