This study investigates the critical determinants of success and prevailing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs leading family-controlled businesses (FCBs) in Uzbekistan. Given the nation's strategic emphasis on family enterprises for economic growth, employment, and social stability, and the supportive legislative frameworks enacted since 2019, understanding women's leadership dynamics within this context is crucial. The research focuses on managerial traits such as self-confidence, risk-taking, and entrepreneurial skills, and explores how familial support structures influence strategic decision-making. Recognizing the transformative impact of digital technologies globally, this study also examines how digitalization reshapes entrepreneurial roles, enhances market accessibility, and affects leadership practices among Uzbek women entrepreneurs. The insights provided offer valuable implications for policymakers, practitioners, and future research on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship in transitional economies.