Muslim women entrepreneurs represent a wealth of untapped potential. A recent study of 254 Muslim women‑owned SMEs in Indonesia (who were members of a women’s cooperative) explored how empowerment, business assistance, and entrepreneurial knowledge impact business growth and household welfare. 

Key Findings

Empowerment (self‑confidence, decision‑making power), and entrepreneurial knowledge (skills, market understanding) had a significant positive effect on business growth and household welfare among the sample. 

Surprisingly, traditional “business assistance” (external aid or support) did not show a statistically significant effect on growth in this context, suggesting that internal capacity and knowledge may matter more than generic assistance. 

Additional research in the Asia‑Pacific region shows that Muslim women entrepreneurs face multiple motivations (personal, family, market) and constraints (cultural norms, access to capital, technology) in their entrepreneurial journeys. 

Why This Matters

When Muslim women thrive as entrepreneurs, it creates a ripple effect: improved household welfare, stronger community economies, and new role models for the next generation. However, barriers such as access to capital, digital literacy, networking, and cultural expectations persist—particularly for Muslim women in under‑served markets or diaspora settings.

Recommendations for Startup Muslim

Launch a dedicated “Women Muslimpreneur” track: workshops, peer‑networks, mentorship by successful Muslim women entrepreneurs.

Highlight cooperative models (women’s co‑ops) as a sustainable way for Muslim women to pool resources, share knowledge, and scale together.

Publish case studies of successful Muslim women‑owned businesses (both diaspora and home‑market) to inspire and provide practical lessons.

Provide tools for digital business setup, marketing, and financial literacy tailored to Muslim women in diverse contexts.

The Takeaway

Empowering Muslim women entrepreneurs isn’t optional—it’s essential. With deliberate support and community, they can become a powerhouse of growth and innovation in the Ummah.