Women in the digital economy: driving the usage of digital technology among women (UNCDF)

Arguments

There exists gender gaps in accessibility of digital devices and mobile internet, and women are less likely than men to use smartphones.

Supporting facts:

• GSMA study states women are 90% less likely to access mobile internet than men and 17% less likely to use smartphones.

• Affordability and digital capabilities are barriers that hinder women’s access to mobile internet and smartphones.

Topics: Gender inequality, Digital divide, Women empowerment

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Making services relevant can drive online activity among women.

Supporting facts:

• When digital devices can support their business, provide access to market, etc., women are more likely to find relevancy and shift their behavior in using these devices.

• An example cited is Maxima’s service of creating a value-chain platform for women through a digital platform.

Topics: Women empowerment, Digital divide, Access to Information

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Building digital skills and confidence is important to mitigate the fear of making mistakes and fraud among women.

Supporting facts:

• Capability training for women can boost their confidence and willingness to use digital services.

• Confidence is often a key factor that motivates or hinders digital device usage.

Topics: Women empowerment, Digital divide, Digital Literacy

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Report

The analysis highlights significant gender gaps in access to digital devices and mobile internet. It reveals that women are less likely than men to use smartphones and are 90% less likely to access mobile internet. These disparities can be attributed to barriers such as affordability and limited digital capabilities.

Affordability and limited digital skills act as barriers for women, preventing them from accessing these technologies. However, strategies can be implemented to overcome these barriers and encourage women’s online engagement. Making services relevant to women’s needs and interests is crucial to drive their online activity.

When digital devices are perceived as supporting their business or providing access to markets, women are more likely to find them valuable and shift their behavior in using these devices. Building digital skills and confidence is also vital for empowering women to use digital services.

Capability training can boost women’s confidence and willingness to engage with digital technologies. Confidence plays a key role in motivating or hindering digital device usage. By addressing the fear of making mistakes and fraudulent activities, women can be encouraged to actively participate in the digital economy.

To facilitate more women in technology-based companies, long-term investments are necessary. Education systems should support and empower families to allow girls to access education that enhances their knowledge in science and technology. Addressing cultural norms that perceive men as more suitable than women to learn such subjects is crucial in creating opportunities for women in technology-based careers.

Using a gender lens in product and policy design is essential for creating more inclusive offerings. Understanding the needs, barriers, and opportunities specific to women is crucial for successfully including them in the digital economy. Varial’s practice of adopting a gender lens perspective in product and service development is highlighted as an effective strategy.

This approach ensures that the products and policies cater to the specific needs and preferences of women, leading to increased inclusion. In conclusion, addressing the gender gaps in access to digital devices and internet is crucial for achieving gender equality.

Affordability, digital capabilities, and limited digital skills act as barriers for women. By making services relevant, building digital skills and confidence, investing in education, and adopting a gender lens perspective, we can create a more inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers women and promotes their active participation in the digital economy.

Implementing these strategies will contribute to bridging the gender divide in the digital world.

Arguments

To strengthen the economic potential of women in Mongolia and Central Asia, their company has developed the Kirike POS product

Supporting facts:

• The equipment is a smart POS without the printer that includes a card reader, NFC reader.

• It allows women to register their revenue and expenditure, and also allows them to take their revenue base to the bank to get loans based on their POS accounts, POS payments.

• They have already trained around 5,000 women, mostly in rural areas.

Topics: Digital Economy, Financial Inclusion, Technology

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Report

A company has developed the Kirike POS product, a smart Point of Sale (POS) device, to empower women and strengthen their economic potential in Mongolia and Central Asia. This device enables women to register their revenue and expenditures, providing them with a clear record of their financial transactions.

Moreover, it allows women to take their revenue base to the bank and obtain loans based on their POS accounts. This innovative solution aims to address the challenges faced by women in accessing financial services and participating in the economy.

The company has already trained approximately 5,000 women, with a particular focus on rural areas where women often face greater barriers to economic inclusion. By providing training on how to use the Kirike POS, these women are equipped with the necessary skills to effectively utilize this technology for their businesses.

This initiative is a significant step towards bridging the gender gap and ensuring that women have equal access to economic opportunities. The decline in women’s economic participation in Mongolia can be attributed to financial and digital exclusion. Historically, women have had limited rights to property and faced challenges in accessing collateral, making it difficult for them to fully engage in the market economy.

Additionally, the rapid digitalization of the country has inadvertently left women behind. Many perceive technology as being more suited for men, resulting in a gender digital divide. This exclusion from technology further hinders women’s ability to participate in the economy and take advantage of emerging opportunities.

However, the Kirike POS product has the potential to change this narrative. By eliminating the need for manual record keeping, it simplifies financial management for women, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses. Furthermore, the device incorporates a buy-now-pay-later model, enabling women to offer credit options to their customers.

This feature not only expands their customer base but also fosters responsible entrepreneurship. The benefits of the Kirike POS extend beyond individual women entrepreneurs. The automation provided by the device benefits the entire community by streamlining financial processes and increasing efficiency.

This technology has the potential to drive economic growth and empowerment, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). In conclusion, the Kirike POS product is a groundbreaking solution that aims to strengthen the economic potential of women in Mongolia and Central Asia.

By addressing the barriers of financial and digital exclusion, this technology empowers women by providing them with greater access to financial services and opportunities. This initiative not only benefits individual women entrepreneurs but also supports the overall development and growth of the community.

It highlights the critical role that technology can play in creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Arguments

Digital economies are not inherently inclusive, with only 19% of ICT roles filled by women

Supporting facts:

• Assessment by UNCDF’s team in Uganda identifies affordability, low digital knowledge, social norms, and gender-blind policies as factors that hinder women’s participation in the digital economy

• According to ‘Alliance for Affordable Internet’ report, governments are missing out on hundreds of billions of dollars due to the digital gender gap

Topics: Digital Economies, ICT Roles, Gender Gap

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Maxima Nsiimenta’s initiative is addressing barriers such as low digital knowledge and product awareness among women by reaching them directly, teaching them the skills to use the products, and how to use services via their mobile phones.

Supporting facts:

• Maxima’s initiative involves digitizing share farmers, enabling them to order agricultural inputs from a platform.

• The initiative involves training women on how to handle smartphones and feature phones.

• MTN Uganda has partnered to provide cheaper, more affordable phones.

Topics: Digital Literacy, Product Awareness, Women Empowerment

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A common barrier for woman in developing countries is the belief that technology is for men, preventing them from grasping opportunities that come with these technological advancements.

Supporting facts:

• Women in Mongolia, for instance, saw their participation in the economy drop after the onset of the market economy due to the advent of ‘technology is for men’ belief resulting in digital exclusion.

Topics: Women empowerment, Gender bias, Digital economy

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Training and financial literacy are essential for the successful adoption of financial technologies for women.

Supporting facts:

• Enkhjargal’s company provides extensive training to women to help them understand and handle the tech devices that aid their small businesses.

• 5,000 women in rural areas have been trained.

Topics: Financial literacy, Training, Digital economy

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Innovative solutions like the Kirike POS product designed specifically with women’s needs in mind can help overcome barriers to financial inclusion.

Supporting facts:

• The Kirike POS product is a smart POS device without a printer, which women can use to register their revenue and expenditures, improving their financial management skills. It also serves as a means of identification as they apply for bank loans.

Topics: Financial inclusion, Product innovation

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Importance of building the skills and having access to resources for women

Supporting facts:

• A young Zambian woman is leading a crew, with the necessary skills and talent

Topics: Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Welcome

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Appreciation and acknowledgement for guests

Supporting facts:

• Thanks shared with Shang, Elvin, Ankur, Maxima and Veryl for their contributions

Topics: Teamwork

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Report

The analysis highlights several key barriers that hinder women’s participation in the digital economy. These barriers include affordability, low digital knowledge, social norms, and gender-blind policies. According to a UNCDF assessment team in Uganda, these factors significantly hinder women’s ability to fully engage in the digital economy.

Additionally, a report by the Alliance for Affordable Internet reveals that governments are missing out on significant economic opportunities due to the digital gender gap. Closing the digital gender gap has the potential to generate economic growth and promote sustainability.

Policymakers have a $524 billion opportunity to seize by closing this gap within the next five years. Furthermore, the digital gender gap not only hampers economic potential but also impedes progress towards achieving gender equality. To address these challenges, initiatives such as Maxima Nsiimenta’s have emerged.

Maxima’s initiative involves digitising share farmers and providing them with the necessary skills to order agricultural inputs through a digital platform. Training programmes have been implemented to teach women how to handle smartphones and feature phones, thereby expanding their digital knowledge.

Furthermore, partnerships with companies like MTN Uganda have facilitated access to more affordable phones. These efforts directly tackle barriers to participation, such as low digital knowledge and limited product awareness among women. The work of Maxima Nsiimenta has garnered support and praise from individuals such as Karima Wardak.

Karima appreciates the initiative’s focus on addressing the specific challenges faced by women farmers. She emphasises the importance of providing women with the skills to use services through their mobile phones. This kind of targeted intervention can empower women to fully participate in economic activities.

Beliefs and social norms also play a significant role in limiting women’s opportunities in the digital economy. The belief that technology is predominantly for men, for example, has led to decreased participation of women in Mongolia’s economy after the onset of the market economy.

Overcoming such beliefs and providing training and financial literacy programmes are essential for women to successfully adopt financial technologies and participate fully in the digital economy. Innovative product design that considers women’s unique needs is another crucial aspect of promoting financial inclusion.

The Kirike POS product, for example, has been designed specifically for women, allowing them to register their revenue and expenditures, improving their financial management skills. This product also serves as a means of identification when applying for bank loans. Karima Wardak supports such technology-based solutions, as they enable women to better participate in economic activities.

Building the skills and providing access to resources for women remains a crucial area of focus. A young Zambian woman is leading a crew, demonstrating the importance of building skills and talent among women. Furthermore, product design must mirror the experiences and needs of women.

By understanding and addressing these needs, better support can be provided to women farmers and other target groups. Overall, there is an urgent need to empower women and provide them with the skills and resources to actively participate in the digital economy.

Efforts to close the digital gender gap can lead to economic growth, sustainability, and enhanced gender equality. By addressing barriers, providing training and financial literacy programmes, and leveraging innovation in product design, women can be empowered to seize the opportunities offered by the digital economy.

Arguments

Digitizing and empowering 100,000 women in northern Uganda.

Supporting facts:

• Working in partnership with UNCDF to accomplish the task.

• Cities include districts that suffered from the Lord’s Resistance Army’s war.

Topics: Digital Economy, Women Empowerment, Economic Development

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Engaging men and local government to support women’s empowerment.

Supporting facts:

• Bridging the gap between empowered women and men robbed of their leadership position.

• Working from the grassroots to the leadership council at the local government level.

Topics: Gender Equality, Government Involvement, Local Leadership

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Digitization of share farmers brings agro inputs closer to women

Supporting facts:

• There’s a platform where they can order from agricultural inputs

• Community agents are empowered to have jobs in the community to save people from traveling to another district to buy the same product

Topics: Digitization, Agriculture, Women Empowerment

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Increased access to market contributes to economic independence

Supporting facts:

• Livara buys more of their shea butter

• Creating market for other agricultural products that they till on their land

Topics: Market Access, Economic Independence, Agriculture

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Partnerships with companies like MTN Uganda bring affordable phones closer to people

Supporting facts:

• Partnered with MTN Uganda to take cheaper and more affordable phones closer to the people

Topics: Affordable Technology, Partnerships, Digital Inclusion

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Agricultural skilling and digital literacy training is essential

Supporting facts:

• Agricultural skilling, especially post-harvest training is done

• Digital and economic literacy intentionally trained to women and communities

Topics: Education, Skills Training, Digital Literacy

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Access to information about markets is empowering

Supporting facts:

• Providing information on weather, climate, seasons, which crops are selling, who is buying at what price

Topics: Information Access, Empowerment, Agriculture

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Their project approach is based on understanding how to work with farmers

Supporting facts:

• They have nine years of experience

• They designed solutions based on the bottlenecks farmers face

Topics: Agriculture, Community Engagement

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They offer credit based on the community’s ability to collaboratively grow crops

Supporting facts:

• The credit addresses farmers’ need for inputs and funds

Topics: Finance, Community Agriculture

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Their solutions meet the needs of the community and the company

Supporting facts:

• Their approach is community-based and aimed at growth for both the community and the company

Topics: Community Development, Corporate Social Responsibility

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Report

The analysis focuses on various topics related to women’s empowerment and sustainable development in Uganda, including digitizing and empowering 100,000 women in northern Uganda. The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and aims to provide women with access to digital tools and resources, promoting gender equality and economic development.

Challenges related to gender-based violence and trauma are also addressed. Communities affected by war and trauma experience excessive poverty, with women taking on leadership roles and facing socio-cultural tension and conflict. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for achieving gender equality and promoting good health and well-being.

Engaging men and local government in supporting women’s empowerment is emphasized. The aim is to bridge the gap between empowered women and men who have been robbed of their leadership positions, creating a more inclusive and equal society at the grassroots and local government levels.

Deforestation is another important issue addressed in the analysis. Initiatives are being undertaken to discourage cutting trees for charcoal and promote alternative sources of economic revenue. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and production, climate action, and the preservation of life on land.

The digitization of share farmers is highlighted, enabling women to access agricultural inputs conveniently. Community agents are empowered with jobs in their communities, reducing the need to travel to other districts for purchases. This initiative contributes to gender equality and zero hunger.

Increasing access to markets for women is also emphasized. Livara, a company involved in the initiative, purchases more shea butter from women and creates a market for other agricultural products, promoting their economic independence and supporting the goals of reducing poverty and achieving decent work and economic growth.

Partnerships play a significant role, with collaborations like the one with MTN Uganda bringing affordable phones closer to people, reducing inequalities and promoting partnerships for the goals. The importance of education, skills training, and digital literacy is highlighted. Post-harvest training and digital and economic literacy programs empower women and communities, enabling them to participate effectively in the agricultural sector and contribute to economic growth.

Access to information is crucial for empowering women. Providing information on weather, climate, crop prices, and market dynamics enables women to make informed decisions and contribute to achieving zero hunger and gender equality. Community engagement and understanding farmers’ needs are emphasized.

Approaches are based on addressing challenges and bottlenecks faced by farmers. Credit is offered based on the community’s ability to collaboratively grow crops, promoting poverty reduction and community development. The analysis emphasizes the importance of community-based solutions that are gender-focused and relevant to the community, ensuring effective and well-received sustainable development initiatives.

In conclusion, the analysis highlights various initiatives in Uganda aimed at empowering women and promoting sustainable development. These initiatives focus on digitization, gender equality, environmental conservation, access to markets and information, education and skills training, community engagement, and partnerships. By implementing these initiatives, significant progress can be made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 1 (No Poverty) in Uganda.

Arguments

Digital divide is a real pressing concern

Supporting facts:

• 3 billion people remain unconnected to the internet, the majority of whom are women and girls in developing countries

• Globally, an average of 62% of men use the internet compared with 57% of women

Topics: Gender disparity, Digital Technology, Women Empowerment

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ESCAP is working on different fronts to contribute to bridging the digital gender divide

Supporting facts:

• Strengthening regional collaboration to boost the engagement of women in technology with particular emphasis on emerging markets and underserved sections

• Cooperating with various stakeholders to enhance digital skills development across Asian young communities

• Allocation of catalytic capital to fund impactful solutions directly and through collaboration

Topics: Catalyzing Women Entrepreneurs Program, She Loves Tech, Strategic Intelligence Hub, Women Enterprise Recovery Fund

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Report

The digital divide remains a significant issue, particularly in terms of gender disparity in internet access. Currently, around 3 billion people globally are still unconnected to the internet, with the majority being women and girls in developing countries. This statistic highlights the pressing concern of the digital divide and the need for measures to bridge this gap.

Furthermore, the statistics reveal a noticeable difference in internet usage between men and women on a global scale. On average, 62% of men use the internet, compared to 57% of women. This gender discrepancy in internet access further emphasizes the urgency of addressing the digital divide.

Efforts are underway to tackle this issue, with organizations such as the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) taking the lead. ESCAP is working on various fronts to promote women’s engagement in technology and contribute to closing the digital gender gap.

ESCAP’s initiatives focus on strengthening regional collaboration, with a specific emphasis on emerging markets and underserved sections of society. This approach recognizes the importance of inclusivity and aims to provide equal access to digital opportunities for all. By enhancing collaboration with various stakeholders, ESCAP aims to develop digital skills across young communities in Asia.

Additionally, ESCAP recognizes the need for financial support to drive impactful solutions. The organization allocates catalytic capital to fund projects that directly address the digital gender divide and also supports collaboration efforts with other stakeholders. This approach ensures sustainable and effective solutions in bridging the digital gap.

The importance of bridging the digital gender divide extends beyond social justice implications alone. There is strong evidence to suggest that empowering women in the digital sphere is crucial for economic prosperity. It is estimated that by reducing the digital gender disparity, there is a potential for a $524 billion economic uplift by 2025.

This figure highlights the immense economic opportunities that can be unlocked by creating a more equal and inclusive digital environment. Moreover, the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is another aspect of the digital gender divide that needs to be addressed.

Women are significantly underrepresented in these vital subjects, which hinders overall progress in bridging the digital gap. Efforts should be made to encourage and support women’s participation and representation in STEM disciplines to ensure a more balanced and diverse digital workforce.

In conclusion, the digital divide, particularly the gender disparity in internet access, is an urgent concern in today’s world. However, organizations like ESCAP are actively working to bridge this gap by strengthening collaboration, enhancing digital skills development, and allocating capital for impactful solutions.

Addressing the digital gender divide is not only a matter of social justice but is also essential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Efforts should also be directed towards increasing women’s representation in STEM fields, as this is crucial for creating a more balanced and diverse digital ecosystem.

Arguments

AWS is actively working to address the gender and digital skills gap through training and collaboration

Supporting facts:

• AWS has committed to provide free training for 29 million people globally by 2025

• AWS has already trained 7 million individuals in the Asia-Pac region since 2017

Topics: AWS, gender gap, digital skills gap, training and development, partnerships

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AWS has made significant investments and initiatives targeting women and girls in tech

Supporting facts:

• AWS GetIT and AWS CloudApp for Her are initiatives dedicated to younger learners and mid-career professional women

• AWS works with Girl in Tech, Women in Tech in Singapore

Topics: AWS, women in tech, girls in tech, digital education

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Report

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is actively working to bridge the gender and digital skills gap through their training and collaboration efforts. They have committed to providing free training to 29 million individuals globally by 2025, with a focus on empowering women and girls in tech.

Already, they have trained 7 million individuals in the Asia-Pacific region since 2017, highlighting their dedication to equipping people with the necessary digital skills. In addition to training, AWS recognizes the importance of infrastructure in addressing digital inequality. They collaborate with various organizations, including UN agencies, the Asian Development Bank, USAID, and the World Bank Group, to address infrastructure needs such as internet access.

By working together, they aim to ensure that everyone has access to digital resources and opportunities. AWS has also made significant investments and initiatives targeting women and girls in tech. They have launched programs such as AWS GetIT and AWS CloudApp for Her, specifically designed for younger learners and mid-career professional women.

Additionally, they collaborate with organizations like Girl in Tech and Women in Tech Singapore, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the tech industry. Moreover, AWS aims to break the stereotype that the tech industry is exclusively for men. They serve a diverse range of customers and understand the importance of diversifying their own company.

By challenging traditional mindsets, AWS strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. In conclusion, AWS is actively addressing the gender and digital skills gap through training, collaboration, and targeted initiatives. Their commitment to providing free training, collaborating for infrastructure needs, supporting women and girls in tech, and promoting diversity demonstrates their dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.

Arguments

Veyrl Adell pivoted her business to tech, seeing its potential in empowering women in trade by providing credit

Supporting facts:

• Adell served women across borders between Kenya and Uganda by providing them credit and later moved her efforts to an integrated platform as a means of credit distribution

• Banks hesitated to loan to Veyrl’s business, but were willing to loan to her as an individual, leading her to think innovatively about her business model

Topics: technology, women empowerment, credit supply

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Veyrl Adell’s product EFP system is an integrated solution that provides e-commerce, point of sale, digital payment benefits

Supporting facts:

• The EFP system records are used by financial institutions to support small businesses, specifically focusing on women and youth

• The product was able to connect rural women with city-dwelling business leaders

Topics: EFP system, e-commerce, digital payments, business records

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Digital solutions provided are developed in-house using open-source platform and third-party platforms

Supporting facts:

• E-commerce solution was from another source with plug-and-play system

• The solution was cleaned and modified according to the need

• Open sources are used in taking market insights and building solutions

• Partnership with cooperatives for development of solutions

Topics: Digital Solutions, Open-source, Third-party platforms, E-commerce

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Veyrl Adell highlights the importance of fostering women’s skills in open source development

Supporting facts:

• Their team has a young Zambian woman leading the project

• This woman (Doreen) has demonstrated profound understanding and skills in open source development

Topics: Women in Tech, Open Source Development, Tech Skills

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Report

Veyrl Adell, an exceptional entrepreneur in the tech industry, has made a significant business pivot to empower women in trade by providing them with access to credit through an integrated platform. Adell recognized the potential of technology in bringing about positive change and sought to harness it for the benefit of women entrepreneurs.

Initially, she served women across borders between Kenya and Uganda by providing them with credit. As her efforts gained momentum, Adell decided to streamline her operations and transitioned to an integrated platform for credit distribution. Despite facing obstacles, such as banks’ reluctance to lend to her business, Adell’s resilience and determination helped her find alternative solutions.

She thought innovatively about her business model and found ways to support women in business. In addition to providing credit, Adell developed the EFP system, which focuses on empowering small businesses, particularly women and youth. This system offers e-commerce, point of sale, and digital payment benefits, enabling entrepreneurs to leverage technology fully.

Financial institutions use EFP system records to support small businesses, extending credit to women and youth. The system also connects rural women with urban business leaders, fostering collaboration and opportunities. Adell takes a market-oriented approach to developing digital solutions, incorporating market insights and partnering with cooperatives.

Engaging with various enterprises and sectors, she gathers market insights to ensure her solutions meet specific needs. By collaborating with cooperatives, Adell educates farmers, tracks performance, and facilitates payments. Her tailored digital solutions are effective and address entrepreneurs’ requirements. Moreover, Adell emphasizes the importance of fostering women’s skills in open-source development.

By recognizing talented women in the tech industry, she aims to bridge the gender gap and promote equality. Leading the project is a young Zambian woman named Doreen, who showcases exceptional understanding and skills in open-source development. Adell’s commitment to empowering women extends not only to entrepreneurship but also to cultivating skilled professionals in the tech field.

Adell’s efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 and 9. SDG 5 focuses on Gender Equality, promoting women’s empowerment, eliminating discrimination, and ensuring equal opportunities. Through her integrated platform and initiatives, Adell creates financial opportunities for women in trade, contributing to their economic well-being.

SDG 9 encompasses Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, driving sustainable economic growth, technological advancement, and inclusive industrialization. Adell’s market-oriented digital solutions, based on market insights and cooperative partnerships, contribute to achieving this goal. In conclusion, Veyrl Adell’s entrepreneurial journey in the tech industry demonstrates her determination to empower women in trade through innovative solutions.

Her pivot to an integrated platform for credit distribution, the development of the EFP system, and her focus on fostering women’s skills in open-source development exemplify her commitment to gender equality and technological advancement. Adell’s efforts align with SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, making a significant contribution to achieving these global goals.