Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries Struggling with Mobile Data Costs – Cherie Blair Foundation Report

 

Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries Struggling with Mobile Data Costs – Cherie Blair Foundation Report

A recent report by the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women highlights a major barrier to success for women entrepreneurs in developing countries: the high cost of mobile data. According to the survey, nearly 50% of female entrepreneurs in low- and middle-income nations do not have reliable internet access due to expensive mobile data packages.

Mobile Data and Digital Connectivity Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs

Access to the internet is essential for female business owners in the digital economy. With social media marketing and digital payment systems becoming crucial tools for business growth, the report reveals that 45% of women in business lack regular internet access, which severely limits their ability to reach customers and grow their enterprises. This issue particularly impacts women running businesses in sectors such as fashion, food, and agriculture across 96 developing countries.

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women survey, which included nearly 3,000 female entrepreneurs, found that while 92% of respondents owned a smartphone, most were unable to fully utilize the internet due to affordability and connectivity issues. Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were widely used due to their inclusion in affordable mobile data packages, but access to broader internet services remains out of reach for many.

Digital Inclusion and the Economic Impact of Mobile Data Access

According to Dhivya O’Connor, CEO of the Cherie Blair Foundation, "Internet connectivity is fundamental to digital inclusion and business success. It allows women to streamline operations, increase sales, and access financial services. However, persistent challenges such as privacy concerns, security risks, and online harassment prevent many women from fully participating in the digital economy."

The report emphasizes that developing countries should prioritize investment in mobile data infrastructure to lower costs and improve connectivity, enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive. In addition, technology companies must implement stronger safeguards to protect women from online harassment and ensure safe digital spaces for their businesses.

The Impact of Online Harassment and Privacy Concerns

Women entrepreneurs also face significant safety concerns while operating online. 57% of women surveyed reported facing harassment during online sales, and 41% refrained from posting business photos or using their names to maintain privacy. Many women fear aggression, potential violence, unwanted advances, and even explicit content being sent to them. The rollback of user protections on social media platforms is raising alarm, as these platforms are essential for women-led businesses but increasingly unsafe.

The Gender Digital Divide

Research by GSMA reveals that women in low- and middle-income countries are 15% less likely to use mobile internet than men, with the gap widening in regions such as South Asia and Africa. Closing this gender digital divide could boost developing countries’ GDP by $1.3 trillion by 2030.

Call to Action: Closing the Digital Divide

The Cherie Blair Foundation's report urges governments and technology companies to take action to close the mobile data gap. This includes investing in affordable mobile data networks, improving digital infrastructure, and ensuring women’s safety online to empower female entrepreneurs in developing countries.