The effect of social media entrepreneurship on sustainable development: Evidence from online clothing shops in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study examines the effect of rural women's participation in social media entrepreneurship on sustainable development in Bangladesh. The study collects 376 responses from the entrepreneurs of online clothing shops employing the simple random sampling technique. The data analysis was conducted using the PLS-SEM technique using Smart PLS 3.3v software. Developing the quantitative research design, the authors test the conceptual model by employing the deductive approach. The study finds a positive effect of women's participation in social media entrepreneurship on sustainable development within online clothing shops in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is capable of creating employment opportunities for rural women through ICT project offerings. Consistently this study also proves social media entrepreneurship increases women's contribution to their family income. Furthermore, this study finds that rural women's family income contribution positively affects sustainable development in Bangladesh. The study can help to achieve SDG 5: Gender Equality and Vision 2041 of Bangladesh at the earliest. Thus, the government, policymakers, and academics can use the study findings as a policy dialogue.