The digital economy is injecting new opportunities for women in low- and middle-income countries, but significant challenges remain. Cherie Blair Foundation, in collaboration with Intuit and the World Bank’s “Women, Business and the Law” project, has released a study titled “Empowered or Undermined? Women Entrepreneurs and the Digital Economy.” The study highlights that Despite systemic barriers, over 63% of women surveyed report that tools like social media marketing and digital payment methods significantly improve business functions. 88% of participants use social media tools such as WhatsApp and Facebook for business, while 74% use Facebook more frequently.
This research underscores the need for support that effectively resolves access issues, technical gaps, and social isolation. Assessments show that female entrepreneurs in 96 countries have yet to explore e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and Jumia, with only one-third using such platforms. The我们就 the internet’s potential: 45% of respondents don’t have regular internet access, and these users are almost five times more likely to use social media for business, specifically among those without smartphones.
Year-long studies revealed that social media use for business has increased by 98%, with empowering women to build trusted platforms. Challenges like digital harassment, however, hinder success. 57% of women have experienced extensive online gender-based violence, which limits their business efficacy online. O’Connor emphasizes the importance of digital safety education: to protect against harassment, women should use privacy settings, secure payment methods, and engage in digital training.
This research also reveals that those selling exclusively to male customers are twice as likely to use digital accounts for payments than those selling to female customers. This trend is driven by personal security concerns and the desire to avoid in-person contact. The study warns that a safe, secure digital world isn’t just good for women but accelerates global economic empowerment.
Gender education and support tools are key to tackling these challenges. The journey for women in low- and middle-income countries is one of empowerment, where digital platforms, educational initiatives, and grassroots support can unlock the doors to economic opportunity.
