High mobile data costs hinder female entrepreneurs' access

A new report reveals that many female entrepreneurs in developing countries are struggling due to the high cost of mobile data. Nearly half of the women surveyed said they lack regular internet access, which is vital for running their businesses. The Cherie Blair Foundation conducted research with almost 3,000 female entrepreneurs from 96 developing nations. These women run various businesses, including food and fashion shops, and rely on their smartphones to connect with customers, manage payments, and promote their products. Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation, emphasized that internet access is essential for women to succeed in business. However, many face challenges like privacy concerns, security issues, and online harassment that limit their participation in the digital economy. Although 92% of the women have smartphones, many do not have affordable internet access. Most rely on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, which are included in cheaper mobile plans. Only about a quarter use e-commerce sites like Amazon. Safety is another big concern for these women. Many reported facing harassment when selling online. Some avoid using their names or posting photos to protect their identities. They fear aggressive negotiation, violence, and unwanted advances. The report indicates that women in low- and middle-income countries are 15% less likely to use mobile internet than men. This gap is even wider in South Asia and Africa. Closing it could significantly boost the economies of these countries. The report suggests that developing nations should invest in better mobile networks and lower costs. It also calls on tech companies to implement stronger protections against online harassment for women entrepreneurs.