The cost of a set of mobile data is everything that retains many women entrepreneurs in developing countries, according to recent research.
Although social media marketing is crucial by business owners who have access to it, 45% of women in business in low and intermediate income countries said they did not have regular internet access due to spending and connection problems.
Nearly 3,000 women entrepreneurs from 96 developing countries have contributed to a report By the Cherie Blair Foundation for women who are faced with women in the digital economy.
The women interviewed have managed companies, including food or fashion products and farms, using their phones to engage directly with customers, receive digital payments and promote their work.
“Internet connectivity is fundamental for digital inclusion and commercial success, because being online allows women to reach customers, rationalize operations, increase sales and access to financial services,” said Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.
“However, the persistent challenges still prevent them from participating fully. Confidentiality problems, security risks and online harassment remain major obstacles … As the digital landscape evolves, those that are not supported to adapt the risk that leaves. “
While 92% of those questioned had a smartphone, internet access was often limited. The vast majority have used platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, applications often included in inexpensive mobile plans in many developing countries, but wider internet access is generally much more expensive.
Only about a quarter of women used electronic commerce platforms such as Amazon or Alibaba.
According to research on Global digital trends By the marketing agency, we are social, 11 of the 20 countries where the Internet is the least affordable are in sub -Saharan Africa.
Security was also a concern for women who sell online: 57% said they were faced with harassment during online sales, 36% did not use their names and 41% did not publish photos on their commercial profiles to maintain their privacy.
Many have said that they feared aggressive negotiations by men, potential violence, unwanted advances and explicit unlined images.
“A growing concern is the recent decline in user protections by the main social media platforms, many of which are essential for companies led by women. As our report underlines, these platforms are already plagued by online abuses, and weaker guarantees will only widen the problem – more soothing the ability of women to operate online online online, “said O’Connor.
According to GSMA research, which works with mobile operators worldwide, women in low and intermediate income countries are 15% less likely Use mobile internet that men – passing to a third in South Asia and Africa. The reduction in this gap could gain from 1.3 TN (1 tn £) developing countries by GDP by the end of the decade.
The report indicates that developing countries should invest in mobile data networks to improve connectivity and reduce costs, and technological companies should develop solid measures to protect women from harassment.