Digital Entrepreneurship and Gender Barriers: A Phenomenological Study of Women Social Media Influencers in Pakistan
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper investigates the experiences of women social media influencers in Pakistan. Also, the purpose of this study is to investigate the issues faced by women social media influencers in Pakistan. To examine the Digital Entrepreneurship and Gender Barriers of Women Social Media Influencers in Pakistan, this research used the data collected through qualitative video and audio-recorded interviews. NVIVO 12 software was used to apply a variety of qualitative data analysis approaches, including video recording interview transcription, theme analysis, and data coding. A triangulation approach was used in this paper. Thirty (30) Interviews were conducted with women Social Media Influencers in Pakistan, using platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram to influence sectors such as fashion, lifestyle, beauty, fitness, Educational content creators, food, teaching reviewers, and socio-political discourse bloggers and influencers. However, these women face significant challenges that are deeply rooted in the country’s socio-cultural norms, economic disparities, legal ambiguities, and the technical aspects of maintaining an online presence. This paper explores the multifaceted challenges encountered by female social media influencers in Pakistan. The study examines how sociocultural limitations promote online harassment and cyberbullying. It addresses economic challenges from gender disparities in monetization and resource access.
Authors: Asif Ali, Dr. Muhammad Amin
Institutions: Iqra University, Iqra National University
Language: English
Topic: Gender, Feminism, and Media
Subfield: Gender Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204178319