THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF DIGITAL INEQUALITY

The contemporary world stands in stark contrast to that of a generation ago, with the advent of digital and other technologies bridging various gaps. Yet, this progress has brought to light the glaring inequalities inherent in the digital age. As the shift from analog to digital persists and the world increasingly embraces online and mobile technology, the accessibility of information and opportunities has never been greater. Despite this, a puzzling question remains: Why are numerous women still being left behind in this digital evolution?

Undoubtedly, an insatiable appetite for information, efficiency and communication is driving the digital revolution and this transformation has witnessed the smartphone becoming a preeminent device, amalgamating standalone entities like cameras, calculators, and phones into a singular tool. Ironically, even as this shift unfolds, the digital divide continues to widen rather than diminish and an escalating number of women are being marginalized and excluded socially, economically, and politically due to their inability to access and harness the full potential of the digital realm.

Unveiling the Growing Digital Gap
Numerous factors, encompassing access, infrastructure, and cultural, socio-economic, geographic, and educational issues, contribute to the exclusion of many women from digital spaces. Challenges ranging from a lack of electricity for device charging, the affordability of smartphones and data plans, to fundamental literacy and familial obligations have collectively barred women from capitalizing on the digital space. These challenges can be distilled into three key areas: Exposure, Opportunity and Support.

  1. Exposure: This relates to promotion awareness and knowledge about the digital landscape, acquired through education, digital literacy programs and advocacy efforts. This spans from familiarization with the digital space itself to insights into available opportunities and potential career paths.
  2. Opportunity: The focus here is on utilization; once familiarity with the digital realm is established, the critical question arises: Do women have the chance to fully exploit it? This involves promoting digital literacy, employment prospects, skills development, and mentorship specifically geared toward women in technology and digital fields.
  3. Support: Diverse stakeholders collectively impact the digital divide. From infrastructure and utilities to access to devices and usable technology, connectivity and digital literacy, the end-users require support and collaboration from various entities to ensure their immersive engagement and benefit from the digital sphere.

The consequences of these gaps are immense; countless women are denied access to fundamental, life-changing information, economic empowerment, job opportunities and a voice. Thus, they remain socially and economically marginalized despite the digital space’s potential as the great equalizer.

Fostering Digital Equality
The endeavor to narrow this divide necessitates a concerted effort, with various entities assuming distinct roles. Just as with any advocacy, digital equality requires champions who advocate for increased access, outreach, and utilization. Among these champions are advocacy groups, government bodies, private organizations, academic institutions, policymakers, STEM entities, and vocational education entities. They can offer services or solutions through technology and, in many cases, become more effective by onboarding more women into digital and technological platforms. Moreover, employers must provide equal opportunities in tech-based roles, assist in up-skilling employees and drive a corporate culture shift that inherently integrates technology.

Yet, the journey toward digitalization is not without its challenges. As we endeavor to bring more individuals into the realms of technology and digital spaces, we must remain cognizant of the perils concealed within. Cyberbullying, cyberstalking, revenge pornography, and identity theft lurk amidst the advantages of the digital world. Like any new frontier, the digital landscape necessitates etiquette and caution, as many have fallen victim to its pitfalls. By the adage, “The internet does not forget,” a curriculum on best practices must be an integral part of digital advancement efforts, accompanied by strategies to address abuses of the digital realm.

Should you wish to get guidance on your digital and technological journey, we are delighted to share our experiences, as your triumph is our triumph. At Springboard Capital, we take pride in conducting our business entirely online, accessible through various technology platforms. Seamlessly serving our customers digitally and in person, we lead by example as equal-opportunity employers. From hosting meetings and disseminating opportunities to staying attuned to developments, we are firmly rooted in the modern age. We also offer various loan products such as Business Loan, Emergency Loan, Asset Financing, Salaried Loan, Loan against Logbook, Import Duty Financing or Title Deed Loan, to help grow and manage all operations. Contact us today at 0700 944 444 or WhatsApp us through the button below, or email us at info@springboardcapital.co.ke.

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Article based on Betty Macharia’s BizSmart Webinar Presentation –Betty is the Customer Success Manager at EMEA and APAC and Kenya Team Lead at Taro Works LLC. She has worked in the technology industry in different roles and spanning different regions for well over 15 years. Betty has managed projects in Uganda, sold and delivered professional partner technology based training services, delivered consultancy services to start-ups in Kenya, Mozambique and Nigeria, while at the same time mentoring university students.

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