Breaking Down Barriers for Female Entrepreneurs in the Digital World

When it comes to entrepreneurship, women in low-income countries encounter numerous obstacles, including limited access to capital, harassment, and violence. The assumption that online platforms can level the playing field and eliminate these issues is not entirely accurate, as research has shown that digital platforms alone do not create equal opportunities. This is evidenced by the total micro, small, or medium enterprise finance gap for women, estimated to be $1.7 trillion by the World Bank.

While it may seem like online services and opportunities should make it easier for women to network, sell, borrow, and build their skills without facing biases, the reality is that significant barriers still exist. Therefore, organisations need to take steps to make their products and platforms more inclusive without fundamentally changing their offerings.

An example of this is Mesh, a professional social network in Kenya’s informal economy. Initially, the platform struggled with a smaller and less vocal female user base, creating the impression that it was a male-dominated space. However, with a renewed focus on gender inclusion, Mesh achieved near gender parity among its users and significantly increased female engagement on the platform. These changes also improved the user experience for men, resulting in overall better results.

To make products and platforms more equitable, Mesh undertook several steps, including conducting extensive user research to understand the specific needs of women, running a brand audit to discover unintended biases, and applying a gender lens to every aspect of the design process. They also conducted experiments to determine the right course of action, revised human resource policies to address the needs of women, and integrated gender targets into their overall business goals. This approach led to positive outcomes, not only in terms of gender representation but also in the overall user experience and performance of the platform.

In conclusion, creating a gender-inclusive environment for women entrepreneurs online is essential, and it can benefit everyone. The insights and strategies developed by Mesh can serve as a useful blueprint for organisations looking to break down barriers and provide equal opportunities for women in the digital world. By incorporating gender diversity into their strategy, businesses can truly level the playing field and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.