As mobile data costs hinder women’s business growth in developing countries, a lack of internet connectivity and harassment online threaten to limit their access to digital tools. Despite having smartphones, many female entrepreneurs face significant barriers to using mobile data.
The Cost of Connectivity: How Mobile Data is Holding Back Women in Business
The vast majority of female entrepreneurs surveyed by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women have a smartphone, but only about a quarter use e-commerce platforms. Despite having access to these digital tools, many women in developing countries face significant barriers to using mobile data, including high costs and connection issues.
Mobile data costs have increased significantly over the past decade, with average prices rising by 50% between 2015 and 2020.
This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for mobile internet services, particularly in developing countries.
According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) , mobile data traffic has grown from 1.3 exabytes per month in 2015 to 12.4 exabytes per month in 2020.
As a result, mobile network operators have had to invest heavily in infrastructure upgrades and spectrum acquisition, leading to higher costs for consumers.
Limited Internet Access: A Major Challenge
Nearly half of female entrepreneurs surveyed by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women do not have regular internet access due to the expense and connection issues. This is a major challenge that prevents them from fully participating in the digital economy. The report highlights that 45% of women in business in low- and middle-income countries do not have regular internet access.
The Importance of Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity is fundamental to digital inclusion and business success, says Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. Being online allows women to reach customers, streamline operations, increase sales, and access financial services. However, persistent challenges still prevent them from fully participating in the digital economy.
Digital Landscape Evolves, But Safety Concerns Remain
The digital landscape is evolving, but safety concerns remain a major barrier for many women. 57% of those surveyed said they faced harassment while selling online, 36% did not use their names and 41% did not post photos on their business profiles to maintain their privacy. Many feared aggressive negotiating by men, potential violence, unwanted advances, and being sent unsolicited explicit pictures.
Harassment is a form of behavior that makes someone feel intimidated, threatened, or humiliated.
It can be physical, verbal, or online and involves repeated unwanted actions.
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, in 2020, an estimated 1 in 5 women experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime.
Harassment can also take the form of workplace bullying, stalking, or hate crimes.
Recognizing and addressing harassment is crucial for maintaining a safe and respectful environment.
Closing the Gap: Investing in Mobile Data Networks
The report suggests that developing countries should be investing in mobile data networks to improve connectivity and reduce cost. This could earn developing countries $1.3tn (£1tn) in GDP by the end of the decade. Closing the gap between men and women’s use of mobile internet would require robust measures to protect women from harassment.
Mobile data networks are wireless communication systems that enable internet access and data transfer between mobile devices.
They use cellular towers to connect devices, providing coverage over a wide area.
Mobile data networks operate on specific frequency bands, with different carriers offering varying levels of speed and coverage.
The most common types of mobile data networks include 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, each offering faster speeds and lower latency than the previous generation.
A Call for Action
The report highlights that technology companies should develop robust measures to protect women from harassment and online abuse. The recent rollback of user protections by major social media platforms is a growing concern, as it undermines the ability of women-led businesses to operate safely online.
