India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, is expected to reach middle-income status by 2047. Over the last decade, India has witnessed a momentous increase in the number of women entrepreneurs working in various sectors. However, there is still a significant gender disparity in India regarding business ownership. Of 63 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India, only 20 per cent belong to women, employing 22 to 27 million people. 

For women in particular, social commerce has the potential to overcome many of the constraints they disproportionately face when starting and expanding businesses, including low access to capital, restricted mobility, constricted social networks, limitations on inheritance and property rights, and challenges in managing child care and household responsibilities. Social media has evolved into an avenue for commerce that has removed the boundaries of entrepreneurship and motivated women, including the younger generation, to start their businesses through social commerce.

This learning note by LEAD at Krea University and Nearby Technologies Private Limited delves into a significant topic about the impact of social commerce on home-based women entrepreneurs. It explores the motivational factors that prompt women entrepreneurs to initiate their businesses on social media platforms and evaluates the impact associated with conducting business through these channels. The literature review and detailed systematic study are expected to be used as a foundation for future research and policy.