A recent study has highlighted that the cost of mobile data is a significant barrier preventing many women entrepreneurs in developing nations from fully engaging in the digital economy.
The research, conducted by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, found that while social media is an essential tool for female business owners, 45% of those surveyed in low- and middle-income countries reported inconsistent internet access due to high costs and unreliable connections.
The study, which gathered insights from nearly 3,000 women entrepreneurs across 96 developing countries, explored the difficulties they face in leveraging digital tools for business growth. These entrepreneurs operate in various sectors, including food, fashion, and agriculture, relying on mobile phones for customer interaction, digital transactions, and online marketing.
According to Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, digital connectivity plays a crucial role in business success. “Being online enables women to reach customers, enhance efficiency, boost sales, and access financial services,” she explained. However, she also emphasized that obstacles such as privacy concerns, cybersecurity threats, and online harassment continue to hinder women’s participation in the digital economy.
Although 92% of respondents owned smartphones, their ability to access the internet remained restricted. Many relied on messaging apps like WhatsApp and social media platforms such as Facebook, which are often included in low-cost data plans. However, broader internet access, necessary for platforms like Amazon and Alibaba, remained financially out of reach for most, with only about 25% utilizing e-commerce services.
Affordability issues are particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa, where, according to digital market research firm We Are Social, 11 of the 20 least affordable internet markets are located.
Safety concerns also emerged as a significant issue. Over half (57%) of women surveyed reported experiencing harassment while selling online, leading many to take protective measures. About 36% refrained from using their real names, while 41% avoided posting personal photos on business profiles. Many women expressed fears of aggressive bargaining tactics, threats of violence, unsolicited advances, and explicit messages from male customers.
O’Connor further pointed out that weakening user protection policies on major social media platforms could exacerbate these challenges. “As our findings indicate, online abuse is already widespread, and reduced safety measures will only intensify the problem, making it even more difficult for women entrepreneurs to operate securely in the digital space,” she said.
The gender gap in mobile internet usage remains a pressing issue. Research by GSMA, an organization working with mobile network providers globally, indicates that women in low- and middle-income countries are 15% less likely to use mobile internet than men, with the disparity reaching as high as 33% in regions such as South Asia and Africa. Addressing this gap could significantly boost economic growth, with estimates suggesting that closing the divide could contribute $1.3 trillion to the GDP of developing countries by 2030.
The study emphasized the need for investments in mobile data infrastructure to enhance affordability and connectivity. Additionally, it called on technology firms to implement stronger measures to protect women from digital harassment, ensuring a safer and more inclusive online business environment.
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