ERIA and UNCTAD Bring Together Southeast Asian Women Digital Entrepreneurs to Strengthen Regional Networks

Jakarta, 1-2 July 2026: ERIA, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), hosted a 2-day community gathering under the eTrade for Women initiative. Held with support from the Australian Government, the event brought together 23 women entrepreneurs from across ASEAN, alongside policy experts, to exchange experiences, share best practices, and strengthen regional networks.

Women-led enterprises play an increasingly important role in advancing digital trade. According to research by the International Finance Corporation published in 2021, closing the gender gap in digital trade could generate an additional US$280 billion for Southeast Asia's e-commerce market between 2025 and 2030. Beyond contributing to economic growth, greater participation by women entrepreneurs can also strengthen communities, as women often reinvest their earnings in their families and local communities. Supportive networks that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual learning have long been recognised as an important factor in women's entrepreneurship.

These themes framed the opening remarks delivered by Ms Sonia Nnadozie, Programme Management Officer at UNCTAD; Ms Neha Bansal, Policy Fellow at ERIA; and Dr Kirill Artyukhov, First Secretary at the Australian Mission to ASEAN.

The first day featured a workshop that equipped women entrepreneurs with practical tools to grow their businesses using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). Led by Ms Haraya del Rosario Gust, Expert EOS Implementer, and moderated by Ms Lina Maulidina Sabrina, Senior Programme Officer at ERIA, the session covered topics including developing a clear organisational vision, defining core values, and strengthening marketing strategies.

The second day focused on the practical realities of women-led entrepreneurship and explored how policy and ecosystem support can better enable women-owned businesses to expand internationally and scale their operations. Speakers included Dr Randeep Kaur, Digital and AI Policy Economist at ERIA; Ms Lishia Erza, Chair of SME Capacity Building and Inclusive Economy at DPN APINDO (Indonesian Employers Association); and Ms Lorna Bondoc, Founder of Yoveo Digital and a leader within the eTrade for Women community from the Philippines. The session was moderated by Ms Nnadozie of UNCTAD.

Participants also discussed the proposed ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), highlighting its potential to make the region's digital economy more inclusive. Speakers noted that, by strengthening digital access, affordability, connectivity, and cybersecurity, DEFA could help address barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in the informal economy.

Artificial intelligence (AI), another area covered under DEFA, was also identified as a promising tool for women-led businesses. Participants discussed its potential to improve productivity, lower operating costs, and reduce barriers related to digital literacy and access to technology.

Speakers agreed that policy frameworks should better reflect the diverse experiences and needs of women entrepreneurs, recognising that the practical realities of running a business often differ from the assumptions underlying existing policies. They also emphasised the importance of strengthening women's voices in policymaking, expanding cross-border accelerator programmes, providing industry-focused capacity-building, and creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs to access regional and global markets.

The event concluded with a networking session, during which participants identified practical next steps for growing their businesses while extending their positive impact within their communities.