New Trends in Gender-Responsive Digital Economies in the Global South

In the evolving digital economy, women in the Global South face both significant opportunities and persistent challenges. The promise of technology to drive economic empowerment, reduce gender inequality, and promote sustainable development is undeniable. However, for women, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, barriers such as limited access to digital infrastructure, gender-based violence online, and lack of digital literacy continue to hinder their participation in this space. Yet, new trends in designing gender-responsive digital economies are emerging, reshaping the future of women’s empowerment. This article examines these trends, highlights the challenges and opportunities, and proposes solutions to bridge the gaps.

Key Trends Shaping Gender-Responsive Digital Economies

1. E-Commerce as a Pathway for Economic Empowerment

The rise of e-commerce has created unprecedented opportunities for women to enter and thrive in the digital economy. With e-commerce platforms, women can sell products locally and globally, reducing the traditional barriers they face in the brick-and-mortar economy.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, e-commerce has become a powerful tool for women entrepreneurs. For example, Jumia, the largest e-commerce platform in Africa, has introduced initiatives to empower women sellers by offering them training on how to navigate the digital marketplace. This initiative has allowed thousands of women to expand their businesses across borders, significantly increasing their revenue and market reach. Similarly, Daraz, Pakistan’s leading online retail platform, provides specific training and logistical support for women to help them succeed in e-commerce.

2. Mobile Money and Digital Financial Services

The proliferation of mobile money services has revolutionized access to financial resources for women in rural and underserved areas. In Kenya, M-Pesa, a mobile money service, has facilitated financial inclusion for millions of women, offering them access to banking, savings, and microloans. This service has enabled women to build financial independence and improve their businesses by providing quick and affordable access to financial services.

Uganda’s MTN Mobile Money has similarly empowered women by enabling them to send and receive money, save, and make payments without needing to rely on traditional banking infrastructure. These services have proven critical in fostering financial inclusion and economic resilience for women in low-income and rural communities.

3. Digital Skills Development and Entrepreneurship

To thrive in the digital economy, women need access to training in digital skills, ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced technical skills like coding and software development. Initiatives across the Global South are increasingly focused on closing the gender gap in tech education and providing women with the tools they need to build digital businesses or enter high-demand careers.

India’s Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) program has trained over 60 million people in digital literacy, with a significant focus on empowering women to access online services and participate in the digital economy. In Kenya, AkiraChix, a non-profit initiative, has trained over 500 women in coding, web development, and digital business skills, with a focus on creating a pipeline of female leaders in technology.

TechWomen, a U.S.-government initiative, has also played a significant role in empowering women from countries such as Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya by providing mentorship and training in software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

4. Gender-Responsive Digital Infrastructure

A crucial enabler of women’s participation in the digital economy is access to affordable and reliable digital infrastructure. In rural and underserved areas, connectivity remains a significant barrier for women trying to engage in digital financial services, e-commerce, and other online platforms.

In Kenya, Safaricom has partnered with the government and international organizations to expand internet coverage in remote areas. This effort has enabled women entrepreneurs in rural Kenya to access markets and digital platforms that were previously out of reach. Additionally, Google’s Project Loon has worked in regions like Uganda to deploy internet connectivity via high-altitude balloons, expanding internet access to underserved areas and providing women with the opportunity to engage in digital businesses and financial services.

5. Addressing Digital Gender-Based Violence (DGBV)

As more women engage in the digital economy, there is a growing need for measures to protect them from digital gender-based violence (DGBV), which includes harassment, exploitation, and cyberbullying. Online abuse disproportionately affects women and can deter their full participation in the digital space.

India’s CyberSafeWomen program provides digital security training for women, helping them understand how to protect their privacy and avoid online threats. Similarly, DefendDefenders in Uganda has partnered with the Uganda Communications Commission to establish platforms for women to report online harassment and seek legal support. In parallel, digital platforms like Facebook and Twitter are developing tools and policies to protect users from online abuse, including better reporting systems and moderation mechanisms.

Bridging Opportunities and Challenges: Realistic Solutions

Despite the promising trends, challenges remain in realizing the full potential of the digital economy for women. These include limited digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, online harassment, and gendered barriers to financial inclusion. However, realistic and actionable solutions are emerging to address these issues.

1. Expanding Digital Infrastructure and Affordability

The first step in bridging the gap is to improve internet connectivity and digital access. Governments should partner with the private sector to build infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring that women have access to affordable internet services. Additionally, affordable smartphones and devices must be made available to women, enabling them to access digital platforms and services.

Solution Example: Google’s Project Loon in Uganda and Safaricom’s initiatives in Kenya are successful examples of expanding internet access in rural and underserved regions. Expanding such programs across the Global South can empower women in remote areas to access e-commerce and financial services.

2. Scaling Digital Literacy and Capacity Building

To ensure women can leverage digital tools, large-scale digital literacy programs need to be implemented. These programs should focus on training women in digital entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and financial literacy. Partnerships with local organizations and international development agencies can provide the necessary resources and expertise to design these programs.

Solution Example: In India, Digital Saksharta Abhiyan has empowered millions of women to access digital services. By scaling similar initiatives across the Global South, women can be equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital economy.

3. Creating Safe Digital Spaces

Addressing the risks of online harassment and digital violence is essential to ensuring that women feel safe participating in the digital economy. Governments, tech companies, and civil society must collaborate to implement stronger cybersecurity measures and provide support for victims of digital violence.

Solution Example: CyberSafeWomen in India and DefendDefenders in Uganda are examples of initiatives that are empowering women with digital security training and offering platforms to report harassment. Expanding such programs globally can help women feel secure and confident in the digital economy.

4. Gender-Responsive Policies and Legal Frameworks

Governments should implement gender-responsive policies that guarantee women’s access to digital financial services, tech education, and leadership opportunities. These policies should also address gender-based discrimination in the digital economy, promoting equal opportunities for women in e-commerce, tech careers, and leadership positions.

Solution Example: In Tunisia, the government’s digital transformation strategy includes gender equality measures that ensure women have equal access to tech-based jobs and digital services. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s Digital Economy Strategy emphasizes policies that facilitate women’s digital inclusion.

5. Empowering Women Through Data and Analytics

Data collection and analysis should be used to design services that meet women’s specific needs. Gender-disaggregated data can help identify gaps in women’s access to digital services and improve the effectiveness of policies aimed at increasing women’s participation in the digital economy.

Solution Example: In Uganda, the Women’s Digital Financial Inclusion Initiative uses gender-disaggregated data to design financial products that better meet women’s needs. Expanding the use of such data-driven approaches can enable the creation of tailored services that foster women’s economic empowerment.

As digital economies expand across the Global South, the opportunity to empower women through digital tools, services, and entrepreneurship is vast. While challenges remain, the innovative solutions being implemented across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia offer valuable lessons for scaling women’s participation in the digital economy. By improving digital access, building digital literacy, ensuring online safety, and creating inclusive policies, we can shape a future where women not only participate in the digital economy but lead it, driving sustainable empowerment and economic growth across the Global South.