Abstract
Business and entrepreneurship are certainly not a monopoly on men. As inhabitants of half the world, women also have the right to engage in the business world. In line with the ideals of emancipation, many women currently have the opportunity to become business partners of men. This research aims to clarify the role of absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial competencies in strengthening women’s leadership toward success. This research was conducted in 3 provinces in Indonesia involving 114 women entrepreneurs in the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) category. This research used a structural equation model with the SmartPLS software tool. The results of this research showed that absorptive capacity and entrepreneurial competencies were able to increase women’s leadership toward successful entrepreneurship. City and age moderation failed to moderate the effect of women’s leadership on successful entrepreneurship. The government on a macro scale needs to pay attention to providing understanding or special training for women MSME business actors who are trying to build their business from scratch. Business challenges for women entrepreneurs are heavier than for men because there are several social, value, and cultural barriers that require special treatment and strategies in developing the potential of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia.