James, ImaobongIbukun, TolulopeNg, Poh Yen2026-02-052026-02-052026-01James, I., Ibukun, T. & Ng, P.Y. 2026, 'Opportunities or threats : impact of digital engagement on marginalized women entrepreneurs', Gender, Work and Organization, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 164-180, doi : 10.1111/gwao.70029.0968-6673 (print)1468-0432 (online)10.1111/gwao.70029http://hdl.handle.net/2263/107900DATA AVAILABILITY : The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.The paper explores the experiences of social marginalization and discrimination faced by women entrepreneurs, as well as their adoption of digital resources to address these disadvantages. This study employs an interpretive approach; semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Findings reveal the discrimination and social marginalization faced by women entrepreneurs, which include market restrictions, difficulty to thrive, gendered expectations, sexual advancement, and the “other groups” segregation. The study further highlights how digital engagement helped women entrepreneurs overcome marginalization by expanding their market reach, transforming their businesses and creating supportive networks. However, digitalization and online presence expose them to the risk of fraud and perpetuate gender discrimination in the digital space.en© 2025 The Author(s). Gender, Work & Organization published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.Digital resourcesDiscriminationEthnicityGenderIntersectionalitySocial marginalizationArticle