The technology has the power to drive economic growth and expand business opportunities for WeAct entrepreneurs. It has empowered individuals and transformed the way we interact, opening new possibilities and ways of thinking.
Still, half of the global population remains offline, with the majority of those without access being women in developing countries. Globally, data show that men are 21% more likely to be online than women, a figure that goes up to 52% in the world’s least developed countries. Until we manage to close this gap, we cannot completely achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for universal internet access.
Being offline today means missing out on valuable learning and earning opportunities, which can prevent WeAct women from accessing essential services for their enterprises. Recognising this gap, WeAct has incorporated technological assistance and digital media workshops into its offerings. These workshops cover topics like creating and managing social media accounts, e-commerce, and online shopping, helping WeAct women gain the critical skills needed to scale their businesses in the digital era. The digital divide - between those with internet access and those without - can hinder the growth of businesses owned by WeAct women, pushing them further to the margins of society. As a result, becoming a WeAct member has become more important than ever.
In this blog, we will explore how WeAct is helping its members to elevate their business with the help of technology.
Empowering Women Through Technology
For many women in the WeAct community, such as Mrs. Jagruti and Mrs. Mamta, the digital skilling initiative has opened new doors to interact with a larger audience. They represent the WeAct members we reached out to in the last financial year. A growing number of women are now actively adopting digital solutions, such as learning platforms like YouTube, social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as video conferencing tools. These technologies have streamlined customer interactions, helping these women generate more business online.
A significant percentage of WeAct members have incorporated social commerce into their business strategies, demonstrating the notable impact of integrating these tools into business practices. The real change the digital literacy of WeAct has brought is even more profound; these women, who had minimal exposure to the larger business ecosystem, now find themselves adept at navigating the digital landscapes.
Key Technology Skills for Women Entrepreneurs
For WeAct women entrepreneurs, developing relevant technology skills is crucial to thrive in today's digital economy. Digital literacy, including the ability to navigate online tools, is foundational for managing business operations, communicating with customers, and accessing vital resources. Social media marketing and branding are essential for building a strong online presence, enabling women entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience and engage with customers in meaningful ways.
Additionally, mastering financial management tools and understanding e-commerce platforms is critical for streamlining business finances, tracking expenses, and optimising online sales channels. These skills empower women to run efficient, innovative, and competitive businesses in the modern marketplace.
Impact of Technology on WeAct Women Entrepreneurs
Challenges Faced by WeAct Women Entrepreneurs in Adopting Technology
WeAct women entrepreneurs face several challenges in adopting technology, including limited access to resources and training, which hinders their ability to leverage modern tools for business growth. Many lack the necessary technical skills or financial resources to invest in digital infrastructure, making it difficult to stay competitive. For these women, WeAct visits their region personally to help them learn digital tools and how they can plan to invest in digital tools in the future.
Additionally, the digital divide remains a significant obstacle, particularly in rural areas where internet connectivity is poor, further isolating these women from the opportunities technology offers. Societal and cultural barriers also play a role, as traditional gender norms may discourage women from pursuing tech-based ventures or accessing training opportunities, leaving them at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital economy. These combined challenges create a complex landscape for women entrepreneurs, limiting their potential and hindering broader economic growth.
Strategies for Strengthening Technology Skills Among WeAct Women Entrepreneurs
To strengthen technology skills among WeAct women entrepreneurs, we have adopted a multifaceted approach. First, various workshops are tailored to meet the unique needs of our rural women entrepreneurs, focusing on essential tech skills like digital marketing, and e-commerce management.
These workshops are offered through online and offline mode. Also, our continuous mentorship and networking opportunities provide WeAct women with access to experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance, share knowledge, and connect them to key business networks.
We also have an Unnati mentorship programme from Accenture, where the professionals from Accenture will help WeAct women with digital marketing skills. Such partnerships with them have led us to have hands-on learning, access to new tools, and valuable industry insights for marketing that has helped our women to scale their business digitally.
Success Story of Woman Entrepreneur Using Technology
Many women from WeAct have utilised our social media creation and website development services. For example, Spruha Bhatt, the owner of Pravi’s Art and Craft, has started using a micro-website created for her enterprise. She shared that she is pleased with the website and has already noticed a positive shift in customer buying patterns. Additionally, she mentioned that the website has made it easier for her to communicate with both regular and new customers, allowing her to simply share the website link for purchases, rather than sending images of each product and prices.
The Future of Digital Media in Women Entrepreneurship
The future of digital media in women entrepreneurship is poised for significant growth and transformation, as more WeAct women embrace online platforms to launch and scale their businesses. With the power of social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing, WeAct women entrepreneurs can reach global audiences, build strong personal brands, and leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer engagement.
Digital tools provide an accessible and cost-effective way for WeAct women to overcome traditional barriers, such as limited access to funding or networks. As technology continues to evolve, digital media will undoubtedly play a central role in reshaping the businesses owned by WeAct women.
Conclusion
Technology has had a positive impact on WeAct women entrepreneurs, providing them with essential tools to expand their businesses and reach wider markets. While challenges such as limited access to resources and the digital divide still exist, WeAct’s ongoing efforts to provide digital literacy training, mentorship, and resources are helping to bridge these gaps. More women in the WeAct community are embracing technology; they are improving their business operations and gaining the confidence to navigate the digital world.
References
- https://www.nasscomfoundation.org/blog/women-empowerment/digital-skilling-opening-up-new-world-of-opportunities-for-rural-women-entrepreneurs/
- https://www.theigc.org/publications/digital-skills-women-entrepreneurship
- https://webfoundation.org/2020/03/the-gender-gap-in-internet-access-using-a-women-centred-method/#:~:text=According%20to%20our%20own%20calculations,least%20developed%20countries%20(LDCs).
- https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/youth-transforming-africa/women-are-starting-digital-businesses-deserve-more-help
- https://www.itcilo.org/stories/breaking-barriers-digital-skills-empowering-women-entrepreneurs-kenya